John Robert "Bob" Harris

One of our lovers of music has left this earth to be reunited with his eternal companion and return to his heavenly home. John Robert Harris, known by his friends as Bob, passed away on Jan. 21, 2021 at Colonial Oaks Care Center located in Houston, Texas. 

Bob was born on Jan. 11, 1932 in Prescott, Arizona to John Roosevelt Harris and Zelta Scott. The family moved from there to Prosser, Washington and then to Arcata, California. He grew up on the family dairy farm as the oldest of 5 children.

He loved singing, music, and especially playing his trombone in the school band.  Bob was friendly with an outgoing personality and was elected Senior Class President in high school. He served his country in the Korean War for 4 years aboard a Naval Aircraft Carrier. He was trained as an aircraft mechanic, served as Fire Marshall on Treasure Island and also volunteered in the Navy Band.  Upon resigning his commission in the Navy, Bob attended Humboldt State College in Arcata, California and earned a degree in music under the world renown and master musician, Dr. (Lee) Barlow. He married Chloa Renee Blackburn, another lover of music, on Dec. 19, 1955 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together, they raised 6 children while living in Arcata and Eureka, Salt Lake City, and Evanston, Wyoming.

Bob was an entrepreneur and after serving in the military, he returned to civilian life and started his own construction company.  He was a gifted carpenter, mechanic and musician. Along with spending years in the logging industry, establishing himself as a home builder and restoring an old piano for his mother, he also loved to repair and restore automobiles. After repairing a few Volkswagen bugs and welding two wrecked ones together,  Bob became known in Humboldt County as the “Volkswagen King.”  He was even seen floating down the Mad River in his creation.

He also loved to sing and direct music. As members of The California Redwoods Chorale, he and Renee had the opportunity to perform on 2 separate tours across Europe in the 1970’s, which was one of the highlights in his life. And above all, he was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving as a teacher and choir director for many years.

Following 53 years of marriage, Renee passed away on Nov. 13, 2008.  He then married Donna May Meyers in June of 2009 and became a step-father to 12 grown children and many more grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by both of his parents and 3 siblings: Thomas Richard, Ila Faye and Bonnie Lou. He is survived by his wife, Donna May; one sister, Barbara Ann Whitney; six children: Robert Wayne, Jayne Renee’, Scott Lane, LaRayne Faye, John Shane and Sterling CoHane (yes, they all rhyme!); 31 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Bob’s smile brought happiness to any room he was in and will be missed.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021 in the 25th Ward Chapel located at 1145 West 500 South in Salt Lake City, Utah. Viewing at 9 a.m. and  Funeral at 10 a.m.; followed by Interment in the Dayton, Idaho Cemetery at approx. 2pm. Due to Covid-19 guidelines attendance at the service is by invitation only, however everyone is invited to watch the services online. 

The Harris and Morey/Casto families would like to thank the staff at Colonial Oaks for their loving care and Holbrook Mortuary for their excellent services along with coordinating the move of his body to make it possible to have the funeral in Utah where most of his close friends and family are located.

Funeral Service Audio