Wilbur Lee “Bill” Harris, 80, of Holton, KS passed July 17, 2012 at Medicalodge Jackson County in Holton. He was born February 1, 1932 in Ida Grove, Iowa the son of Leo C. and Amelia Martha (Wittmaack) Harris.

Wilbur attended school in Ida Grove, IA and Powhattan. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1950 – 1953. He was a carpenter most of his life and was owner and operator of W.L. Harris Construction working out of Topeka and Mayetta.

Wilbur attended the Larkinburg Christian Church. He was a life member of the American Legion Post #400 and V.F.W. #1650 both in Topeka.

He married Peggy Wellman on December 18, 1953 in Topeka. She preceded him in death on March 13, 1997. He later married Lillian M. (Small) Jepson on August 29, 2008. She survives of the home. He is also survived by a son, Victor L. Harris of Topeka; 2 daughters, Iris Richardson of Topeka and Violet Baumgartner of Topeka; 3 step-sons, Dale Jepson of Meriden, Wayne Jepson of Wamego and Norman Jepson of Holton; a step-daughter, Christine Case of Atlanta, GA; 2 sisters, Shirley Calvert of Topeka and Karen Bagwell of Whiting; 3 brothers, Les Harris of Westmoreland, Wendell Harris of Meriden and Kenneth Harris of South Fort, CO; 20 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Wilbur was preceded in death by 2 sons, William Leo Harris in 1957 and Travis D. Harris in 2012; a grandson, Ryan Lee Harris in 1979 and 3 brothers, Eldon, John and Norman Harris.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday morning July 23, 2012 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with military honors by National Guard Honor Guard will be in the Larkinburg Cemetery. Family will greet friends Sunday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Larkinburg Christian Church or Grace Hospice c/o Mercer Funeral Home P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.