Thomas Lavern Harris

BATH - Thomas Lavern Harris, 97, died Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital in Bath, following a brief illness.

Vern was born in Howard on Aug. 2, 1911 to Thomas and Bertha M. (Whitcomb) Harris.

He joined the Howard Union Church in 1927 and was its oldest member. At age 17, after being orphaned, he left Avoca High School a month before graduation to raise his four year old brother and work two farms.

In 1942 he married Helen M. (Putnam) Albee.

After 25 years at Mercury Aircraft, Tom retired in 1976. He enjoyed gardening and reading the encyclopedia, and in later years built dollhouses and did hand carving to repair furniture.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 1980; his step-son, Raymond B. Albee; his brother, Warren G. Harris; and his sisters, Kathleen Russell and Dorothy J. Harris.

Surviving him are his children, David (Mildred) Harris of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Roseanna Harris of Howard and Marylynn Albee of Newark, New York; also his six grandchildren; five greatgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours were from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 and from 12-2 p.m. Saturday at the Avoca Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., Avoca, where a funeral service was held following calling hours at 2 p.m. Saturday, with the Rev. Donald Lester officiating. Committal services and interment followed at the Howard Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences or remembrances of Tom are welcomed at www.bisho pandjohnsonfuneral- home.com.