Roger R. Harris
Roger R. Harris, 79, of Willowbrook, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 18, 2023. He was born June 11, 1943, and grew up in Decatur, Indiana. Roger was a graduate of Purdue University in 1965 and pursued his graduate degree at Indiana University. Roger and his wife, Ann, moved to Hinsdale in 1969, later moving to Willowbrook in 1976. As a long-time member of Christ Church of Oak Brook, he enjoyed teaching classes whenever possible and spent 45 years volunteering, cooking, and teaching for the Men’s Breakfast on Thursday mornings. While teaching was his passion, he also brought the Bible to life by portraying biblical characters. Everyone knew that Roger was an expert on the Bible and would call him whenever they had a tough question. He spent his career as a computer programmer in a variety of industries, largely supporting trucking and logistics organizations. Roger is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Ann E. Harris, daughter Lisa Harris, son David (Carolyn) Harris, daughter Julie (Andrew) Cook, and grandchildren, Ethan and Paige Cook.
Visitation will be at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 501 Oak Brook Rd., Oak Brook on Wednesday, May 24th at 9:00 AM followed by the Service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow the Service at Clarendon Hills Cemetery, Darien.
Memorials may be made to Christ Church of Oak Brook. Funeral info: 708-352-6500
What a Godly Man with a heart of gold , a delightful sense of humor, a quick wit and an
unending willingness to serve others. We have been blessed by his presence on this
earth and rejoice in knowing he knew where he was going and looked forward to being
there! Thank you Ann and the Harris family for sharing him with us and praying God’s loving
arms around you all .
Grateful for special memories over the last 40+ years but there’s a big hole in our lives. We met you guys when we were assigned to the prayer triangle group over 40 years ago. Thank you God! Our first big outing together was our first Family Camp adventure. How much fun was that! Roger, Don, Frank and I were part of the fast horseback riders and it sure was thrilling with a couple of the wranglers! Amazing we lived through some of those rides. Bears games at Soldier Field were fun with you guys and we’ll miss watching them here with Roger in his usual spot. Bike rides along Lake Michigan with the kids, camping (heartbreak hill), New Years, Orcas Island, Washington D.C., events at Morton Arboretum, gatherings at each others’ homes and on and on. We’ve made such amazing friends at Christ Church but Roger was everyone’s Bible expert and special quirky friend and we miss him with all our hearts. Here’s a hug for you good friend–i know you loved them. I’m sure you got a huge one from your friend Jesus. Love you always. XOXO Mary
Our dear brother Roger,
You are a godly man, wised gentleman. I, we miss you, you took our heart away.
I heard about you and met you through sister Ann, Your beloved wife. Immediately, I felt your heart has biblical, God in it. I was newer to Christ church, my old soul love to know the old old stories. I find you are the one of people I can go to. You loved all God Relevant as the Church, men’s group, Sunday school, teaching Bible , Men’s breakfast, … oh no brother Roger, no, you’re too young to take the stories with you.
Recently I had opportunity to attend the Sunday class with Ann and you were. I observed your sharp clear viewpoint of God’s Instruction in Exodus. … I thought we will have more time to Study Bible together. PS. I’m glad you liked Easter snack bird’s nest I made.
I am very honored to got know you, bro Roger. I’m jealous that you are peacefully resting in our LORD’s arms right now.
We will remember that coffee table spot you sit. Importantly we will carry on the biblical and faithful as you did until we meet again. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I4vvIFmYEN8
Love,
Diana
Roger was a good and faithful servant who you could always count on. I enjoyed our years together preparing the Men’s Breakfast on Thursday mornings.
My thoughts and prayers are with Roger’s family. We had many great times with the Harris family and enjoyed wonderful fellowship with them.
I realize this is very late and may not be seen by anyone, but I have to try. Roger and I grew up together in Decatur and spent much time together. We played a lot of table tennis, both as partners and against each other. I considered reaching out to him a few years ago but illness interfered. I have wonderful memories of time with him. If any of the family or anyone else would like to contact me, my email is johnsontf1943@ gmail.com. I am also on Facebook. Looking forward to some contact.
Thomas Johnson