Retired as a Missouri Public School Administrator and enjoy golf and fishing. Traveling is also important. Always enjoy hearing from friends and other Dog Handlers.

See Obituary Below

John David “Dave” HarrisMay 3, 1941 - July 14, 2013

John David "Dave" Harris, 72, of Moberly died unexpectedly Sunday morning, July 14, 2013 at his home.  Dave was born on May 3, 1941, in Dade County, MO to J.D.  and Maurine (Hobby) Harris.

Dave grew up in Poplar Bluff, MO where he graduated high school.  He attended the University of Missouri Columbia for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1966 serving as one of the first K-9 Handler's with the 3rd SPS at (Bien Hoa) Vietnam, receiving an honorable discharge. 

He married Kay Eaton on February 14, 1970 in Fayette, MO. 

He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO and later the University of Missouri Columbia with his Master's Degree.  He went on to teach speech, drama, driver's education, and history for Fayette Public Schools.  He later served as an elementary principal in Blackwater, Fayette, Moberly, and Westran. 

He loved children and delighted in making them laugh, especially with the "taking off his thumb trick."

Upon retirement, Dave worked in advertising at the Moberly Monitor Index and enjoyed his hobbies of golfing, fishing, woodworking, gardening, and traveling.  His greatest joy was being "PaPa Dave" to his two granddaughters for whom he cherished.

Community involvement was important and this included serving on the boards of the Moberly Parks and Recreation, the Community Kitchen, and as an active member of the VFW Post 2624, Optimist Club, Randolph County Retired Teachers, Lion's Club, the Moberly Citizen's Police Academy and the National K-9 Vietnam Dog Handler's organization. 

Dave was responsible for organizing and placement of the War Dog Memorial in Rothwell Park and the placement of flags lining his street to honor our country and veterans every year.

Dave had a zest of life, never met a stranger and had the ability to make other's laugh no matter where he went.

Survivors include his wife Kay Harris of the home, his daughter Tara Link and her husband Troy, granddaughters Anna Kate and Alaina Link all of Moberly, brothers Robert "Bob" and Carolyn Harris of Rolla, MO, Dale and Peggy Harris of Basking Ridge, NJ, sister Nelda Harris of Cozumel, Mexico, in-laws, Charles and Shirley Eaton of Kansas City, MO, Sue and Otis Smith of Auxvasse, Mo, Martha and Don Riley of Searcy, AK, Fred and Sheri Eaton of Fayette, MO, six nieces, 11 nephews, 20 great-nieces and nephews, a special group of cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law and mother-in-law G.W.  and Mary Eaton.

Memorial contributions to the Moberly Public School foundation for the Dave Harris Scholarship Fund or to the K-9's for Veterans Fund would be appreciated.

Services celebrating Dave's life will be Thursday 10:00 a.m. at the CATER Funeral Home Chapel with committal prayers, military honors, and interment following at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Words of comfort and support may be shared with the family at the visitation Wednesday 3 p.m.  to 7 p.m.  at the CATER Funeral Home.