Benjamin Harris

Benjamin Franklin Harris, 94, of Grand Lake passed away at 12:42 PM on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 in a veterans’ facility in Jennings.

Mr. Harris was born on March 15, 1929 in Ryan, OK and was a graduate of Mountain Home High School in Oklahoma.  He proudly served his country in the US Army where he earned the title of Sargent and was an extensively decorated Korean War veteran.  Upon being honorably discharged, he began his career in the oil field which transferred him to Cameron, LA.  Mr. Harris retired as an operator from Texaco.  Following retirement, he moved to Grand Lake in 1984 where he resided the remainder of his life.  

He was a proud member of the Chickasaw Indian Tribe.  Mr. Harris enjoyed raising show cattle with his sons and attending livestock shows.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Mayful Harris of Grand Lake; his children, Donald Harris of Tishomingo, OK, Mackie Jouett (Brenda) of Ragley, Kleta Harris of Tishomingo, OK, Jeffrey Jouett (Angela) of Big Lake, Jimmy Harris of Rosser, TX, Shane Jouett (Regina) of Grand Lake, and Kevin Jouett of Sulphur; siblings, Betty Smith of North Carolina and Joyce “Sweet Pea” Beyers of Texas; nineteen grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Harley Harris; brother, Harley Harris; and sister, Sylvia “Skeets” Maude.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM on Saturday, June 24, 2023 in the Johnson Funeral Home chapel.  The Rev. Steve Shirley will officiate.  Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Creole.  Visitation will begin on Friday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM.  Visitation will resume on Saturday from 12:00 PM until the start of the service.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Ochsner American Legion Hospital, Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home, and Lamm Hospice for their dedication and compassion shown while taking care of Mr. Harris.