Melvin "Mel" D. Harris

Canton - Melvin "Mel" D. Harris, 86, of Canton, passed away Friday, June 4, 2021, at Graham Hospital in Canton.
He was born on December 3, 1934, in Los Angles California, to Herbert B. Harris and Anna (Carver) Pierce. They preceded him in death along with one sister, Sharen Cantrell, one brother, Keith Harris, two son in laws Tim Taylor and Mike Lock, one grandson Jacob Taylor, and his step mother, Frances Harris.
Mel is survived by his wife, Loretta (Hensley), whom he married on September 10, 1989 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Also surviving are four children, Pam Harris of Missouri, Karen Taylor of Canton, Greg (Stephanie) Harris of Pekin and Steve Harris of Florida, two step children, Cindy (Monty) Hedges of Canton and Rick (Miranda) Lingenfelter of Hannah City, two brothers, Darrell (Joanne) Harris of Arizona and Charlie (Linda) Harris of Missouri, one sister Debra Winslow of Missouri, ten grandchildren, Karlee, Kolin, Trinity, Justin, Jeremy, Alera, Mandy, Madison, Desimbur, and Autumn, four step grandchildren, Katie, Taylor, Blare and Drue and several great grandchildren, step great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Mel owned and operated Western Auto, Ace True Value hardware, and Mel's Sporting Goods all located in Canton for many years. He retired in 2004.
He was a member of the Canton Rotary, a co-founder of the Canton Wrestling Club, and K.A.R.E. Camp, and president for the Lion's Club and the Canton Chamber of Commerce.
Mel had a true passion for racing horses. He raced pacers at Balmoral and Maywood in Chicago, as well as Indiana and New York. He started his horse racing career with quarter horses which he always kept a love for. Over the years he had many champion horses.
Mel enjoyed camping, boating, and especially dancing. Every time music was played, he was always the first one to get up and dance. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Fighting Illini. Above everything Mel loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren.
A Funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. where visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.
Memorials may be made to the Canton Wrestling Club or to K.A.R.E.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com