For more than 46 years, he worked for Exide, General Battery and GNB battery companies.

After his retirement, he did consulting work for battery companies around the world.

Gene had many passions during his life but no other will top the front-yard football or driveway basketball with his grandchildren. Any time there was music around, you only had to look at the at the dance floor to see him dancing with the love of his life, Lily. His other passions throughout life included golfing, camping, and attending and watching his favorite basketball teams. Later in life, Lily and Gene were able to travel around the globe to places like Hawaii, Italy and China, as well as other places. He loved to share the stories of his travels with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles A. and Mary Harris; a sister, Ruth Harris; and five brothers, William Harris, Charles Harris, Richard Harris, Roy Harris and Ray Harris.

Survivors include his wife, Lillian, of the home; three sons, Van Harris and wife Teresa, of Marshall, Minn., Vaughn Harris and wife Gail, of Eau Claire, Wis., and Paul Harris and wife Delores, of Lincoln; two daughters, Mary LeClair and husband Robert and Kim Merry and husband Jerry, all of Salina; a sister, Barbara Keeth and husband Gary, of Leavenworth; 12 grandchildren, Amber, Ryan, Christopher and wife Imagene, Joseph, Amanda, Matthew, Justin, Amy, Kaitlyn, Jody, Diana and Jessica; many great-grandchildren; and his beloved pet, Lucy.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina, with Father Allen Scheer officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Salina. The family suggests memorials be made to Sunflower Adult Day Care Center, Salina, or Good Samaritan Center, Minneapolis.

Visitation will be from noon until 8 p.m. Friday at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401. A vigil and rosary will be at 7 p.m. Friday at the mortuary.