MARENGO – Carroll R. Harris, 91, of Marengo, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Dec. 6, 1929, in Bloomfield Twp., to Hoy and Zana (Mitchell) Harris.
Carroll will be remembered best by his family and friends as a successful farmer, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather — an altogether family man, a great friend who was always willing to help and, of course, by his sense of humor. His contagious and recognizable laugh will be remembered by all who knew him.
A 1948 graduate of Sparta High School, Carroll was dedicated to the Sparta community. He was a school bus driver for his alma mater, a South Bloomfield Township trustee and a member of the Sparta United Methodist Church. One of his proudest achievements was serving in the United States Army. Upon his return home from the Army, Carroll began working alongside his father on the family farm and his passion for farming grew. He took full ownership of the land in 1957 and dedicated his life to his farm that he called “Harris Haven.” In 1969, he was even recognized for the success of his hog business by Purina Products.
Carroll married his true love in 1957, and for 63 years he and Donna built an incredible life together with amazing memories shared by family and friends. They enjoyed hosting parties on the farm, including an annual New Year’s Eve party that everyone in the area wanted to be invited to. One Halloween party, Carroll dressed up as a cheerleader. He was always the life of the party!
But Carroll had a work ethic that was second to none, and it was evident throughout his life. He expanded the farm, investing in more land and livestock. He built his house with his own hands and the help of his brothers and neighbors. He was selfless and always had time to help his neighbors, friends and family.
Carroll and Donna grew their family and created memories to last a lifetime. They traveled to Las Vegas with friends and to Ohio State football bowl games to cheer on their beloved Buckeyes. They hosted large family reunions and Fourth of July pool parties. They enjoyed family vacations, including a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with their grandchildren.
Once retired, they enjoyed traveling to their Florida home in Zellwood Station every winter. Carroll enjoyed golfing, playing cards and shuffleboard with new friends.
He was always happiest, however, in Ohio on the farm. If you came to the farm looking for Carroll, you always stopped by the “shop” first to check if he was there. Usually, there was a crowd of trucks and a group inside discussing importing topics — deer hunting, farming, John Deere tractors.
Carroll lived a full life and was loved by so many. He was a friend to all, loved a good joke and found humor in every situation. He worked hard and played hard. He loved spending his free time hunting, golfing, playing cards and supporting the Buckeyes. And he absolutely loved his sister’s Peanut Butter Pie! Carroll will be greatly missed and forever loved.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Donna (Thompson) Harris of Sparta; his children, Cindy (Andy) Pursel, Cathy (Mike) Tonyan and Chet (Patty) Harris; grandchildren, Brooke (Justin) Walker, Lyndsey Tonyan, Paige (Fred) Hewitt, Ross (Beth) Tonyan, Nicole Tonyan, Zane Harris and Cade Harris; great-grandchildren, Joey Hewitt, Maddox Walker, Larkin Tonyan, Sloane Hewitt and Maverick Walker; and sister, Mary Spearman of Mount Vernon.
Carroll was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Milton Harris, Maurice Harris and Hoy “Junior” Harris.
The family will have a private graveside service.
Donations can be made to Sparta United Methodist Church; 22 N. Church St.; Sparta, OH 43350.
To share a memory or leave the family a condolence, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home in Sunbury has been entrusted with the arrangements and is honored to serve the Harris family.
