Ira Lavell Harris, 99 years old, of St. Ann, MO, passed away peacefully on March 17 ^th , 2023, at home, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 7 ^th , 1924, in Maynard, Arkansas.

Ira proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a veteran of both WWII and the Korean war, serving as a radio operator in the height of both, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He earned the Presidential Unit Citation & the Korean Service Metal.

He was an iron worker for the next 15 years. He then joined the Pipefitters, Local 562, where he remained until retirement 25 years later. He served as an Auxiliary Police Officer with the St. Ann police department for a short time and after retirement, he became a Limo and hearse driver.

He is a Past Master & District Deputy Grand Lecturer of the Mason's Bridgeton Lodge, & a past member of the Moolah Shriners.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved spending time with his family and was dedicated to them beyond measure.

Ira celebrated 58 years of marriage to Rita Harris who proceeded him in death on February 3 ^rd , 2010.

He is father to Brenda McManus, Kip (Lynn) Harris, & Les (Leann) Harris. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara (Emil) Harris, and 2 sons, Greg (Linda) Harris, and Monte Harris. Awesome Grandpa to 9 grandchildren: Rita, Dana, Kara, Tonya, Katie, Barbie, Jenny, and Jessica. He was proceeded in death by a grandson, Donald. Loving great grandpa to 12. Dear brother to Dean Ruhman Miller and the late Truel Harris and Mary Bucher. He is survived by many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

"Say not in grief that he is no more, but in thankfulness that he was." He will be dearly missed.

Funeral service Thursday, March 23, 10:30 a.m. at Collier's Funeral Home, 3400 N. Lindbergh Blvd. (St. Ann). Visitation Wednesday March 22, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Internment at Jefferson barracks National Cemetery.