Gene & Opal Harris

Kenneth "Gene" Harris, age 86, and Opal Pauline Harris, age 83, of Golden City, MO, passed away May 22, 2019, at their home as a result of the tornado that swept through the Golden City area. Gene was born August 30, 1932 in Kenoma, MO to Lester Edward and Ruth Fern (Nall) Harris.He attended schools in Golden City, served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was a farmer. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Golden City.  Gene enjoyed golf and loved tending to the purple martins, which he hosted in the 27 martin houses that he had around the farm. He was also known as a bit of an inventor.Opal was born September 1, 1935 in Dadeville, MO to Jim and Lela (Cowan) Stump. Opal attended school in Jasper, MO, but with school redistricting, she was transferred to Golden City High School in the 12th grade where she graduated. She was a house wife and enjoyed doing puzzle books, listening to bluegrass and gospel music. Opal was a member of the First Baptist Church in Golden City and she was an excellent cook who enjoyed making homemade crescent rolls, Christmas goodies and any new recipes she could find. They both loved their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly.On, November 20, 1955 Gene and Opal were united in marriage and together they raised three children. Gene and Opal leave behind a son, Rodney Gene Harris, Golden City, MO; two daughters, Linda Sue Edwards, Lockwood, MO and Karen Kay Lawrence and husband John, Lamar, MO; grandchildren, Caleb (Leena) Harris, Jamie (Scot) Baker, Eric Walker, Josh (Maria) Edwards, and Kailey Lawrence; great-grandchildren, Calli Harris, Blane Harris, Brody Harris, Ethan Baker, Dawson Baker, Jayden Baker, Lakin Baker, Treyton Walker, William Edwards, Christopher Edwards,  Joshua Edwards: also a foreign exchange student/daughter, Mia Moberg from Sweden.Additional survivors include Gene's sister, Dorothy (Wesley) Wirth, Golden City, MO; Opal's brothers, Jerry (Wanda) Stump, Springfield, MO, Glen (Connie) Stump, Sheldon, MO and Joe Stump, Sheldon, MO; Opal's sisters Edna Fite, Jasper, MO, Lois Watson, Neck City, MO, Janie Boehne, Wichita, KS, and Mary (Steve) Brake, Billings, MO.Gene was preceded in death by his parents, two brother's Leland Harris and George Harris; two sisters, Nadine Stansberry and Leta Belle Moore.  Opal was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Elsie Ritchie. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at Lamar First Baptist Church with burial to follow in Lake Cemetery.The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the church.  Contributions are suggested and made payable to Ronald McDonald House in care of Daniel Funeral Home.