Michael Charles “Mike” Harris, 74, of Patoka passed away surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at his home. He was born on January 28, 1950, the son of Charles Eugene and Violia (Doza) Harris in St. Louis, MO. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth Choute, 4 children were born of this union and she preceded him in death. He later married Janis Howard and she preceded him in death
Survivors who will cherish memories of time spent with Mike include Daddy’s girl, his daughter, Michelle Hicks (Michael) of Vernon; stepchildren, Julie Martin (Chad), and Billy Howard; precious grandchildren, Matthew Hicks (Kate), and Marcus Hicks; step-grandchildren, Alexas Howard, Jamie Newkirk (Jesse), Megan Martin, and Sean Martin; cherished great-grandchildren, Zaelyn, Liam, Leyton, Aleah, Amilia, Scarlett, Finley, Ridge; siblings, Brenda Hanser, Debbie Reyes, and Cheryl Temple; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, David Harris, and Kevin Harris; sister, Carol Conway; and sons, Michael Harris Jr., Jeffery Harris, and Christopher Harris.
Mike had a strong work ethic and was a loyal employee for over 40 years at World Color Press in Salem, where he held a supervisor’s position at the time of his retirement. He valued discipline which made him a natural when it came to Karate. Mike achieved his black belt and was victorious in many competitions. He liked to share with others his motto of “all you need is God and Karate”. Mike was an avid fisherman who loved to take his boat out on the water and see how many he could catch. He was always generous with the fish he caught, hosting fish fries for family and friends. Mike liked to keep busy and enjoyed working with his hands, creating beautiful woodworking pieces. He also was known as the gadget guru, as everyone knew he could fix anything with his skilled tinkering abilities. Mike was a strong family man who loved each of his family members more than anything. He was close to his son-in-law and he treated him like his own son. Mike was the very best Grandpa and Great Pop and his grandchildren loved him immensely. Mike will be remembered dearly for being a protective, loving family man, a hard worker, and as one of the good guys.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date, where Mike will be laid to rest in Ellis Grove, IL by his wife, Elizabeth and his sons. Memorials may be made in Mike’s honor to Warrior Nation Cancer Foundation and will be accepted for the family at the Day Macz Funeral Home 234 South Elm Centralia, IL 62801. Online condolences and memories of Mike may be shared by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
