Fred L. Harris, age 77, of St. Elizabeth, died Sunday, July 23, 2006 at Capital Region Medical Center. He was born in Richland on August 2, 1928, a son of the late Cecil and Celia Harris. On July 16, 1952, in Swedeborg, he was married to Bertha Doubikin, who preceded him in death on April 19, 2001.

Fred graduated from Richland High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture in 1957 and his Master's degree in education in 1961. He was a teacher at several local schools and was also a farmer. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church of Columbia, Miller County Historical Society, Missouri Farm Bureau and the MFA Oil Board. He volunteered at Lake Regional Hospital and was also very active in the Miller County and Missouri State Republican Party.

Those who survive him include: one nephew, John D. Hammons, Sr. and wife Cathy of Sedalia, two great nephews, John D. Hammons, Jr. and wife Vanessa of Springfield and Eric Hammons and wife Michelle of Smithton; one great niece, Holly Sliger and husband Eric of O'Fallon; four great-great nieces and nephews; one sister, Flo Howlett of Richland and one brother, Charles Harris of Denison, Texas.

Visitation will be from 12-1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, with services immediately following at Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Rev. Greg McClain will officiate. Interment will be in Livingston Cemetery near Iberia.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Livingston Cemetery.