By Mandi Sakadaris
Posted: Updated:
18 Comments
  • Visitation

    Memorial Visitation:

    Wednesday, June 8, 2022

    4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL and

    Thursday, June 9, 2022

    10:00 am to 11:00 am

    St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL.

  • Service

    Memorial Service:

    Thursday, June 9, 2022

    11:00 am

    St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    Paul Clinton Harris, 62, of Belleville, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 4, 2022, in Belleville, IL.

    He was born on July 17, 1959, to Dr. Delbert and Alice (nee Jones) Harris, in Belleville, IL. Paul married Pamela (nee Conrad) Koch-Harris on August 15, 2015, in Swansea, IL.

    Paul graduated from Lebanon High School and attended University of Missouri. In his younger days, he was an avid golfer and loved performing at the Looking Glass Playhouse. He was a whiz at sports statistics, especially those of LHS track and field and the St. Louis Cardinals. As a young man, Paul enjoyed writing a sports column for the local paper, providing color commentary for radio broadcasts of local basketball games and traveling to the Olympics with his dad, brother, and coach. Paul and his brother, Jeff, operated Elsie’s Country Kitchen in Lebanon, IL, for several years, where he honed his cooking skills. He was a master of kitchen efficiency, organization, training, and sanitation. These skills served him well as he worked for national restaurant chains for many years, excelling in the grueling work of opening new stores across the country. Paul was funny, kind, compassionate, and had a big personality. He greeted all with a smile and always took the time to catch up. Recently, his greatest joys were traveling with his wife, talking with friends at the meat counter at Schnucks in O’Fallon, IL, spending time with his family, and taking great pride in his grandchildren, niece, and nephew.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Delbert and Alice Harris.

    Paul is survived by his wife, Pam Koch-Harris; stepchildren, LeAnn Koch, Anna Bevineau; "adopted" stepdaughter, Emily Elam; step grandchildren, Aleah Bevineau, Alex Bevineau, Ariana Richardson; step-mother, Mary Metzger-Harris; siblings, Jeanine (Jerry) Buttimer, Jeff Harris; niece, Kelsey Buttimer; nephew, Keegan (Rachel) Buttimer; brother-in-law, Terry (Karen) Conrad; sister-in-law, Patti (Ed) Price; many dear cousins and friends.

    Memorials may be made to the Lebanon Lions Club, the Lebanon Rotary Club, or the Lebanon Matthew 25.40 Ministries.

    Memorial Visitation: Wednesday, June 8, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL, and Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL.

    Memorial Service: Thursday, June 9, 2022, 11:00 am, St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL.

    Clergy: Rev. Dr. Don Wagner, Pastor, St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL.

    Interment:  At a later date

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

18 Condolences
 
  1. Pat C Suydam / June 6, 2022 at 6:47 pm

    Jon and I are sending our condolences to Paul’s Family.

  2. Doug Fairburn / June 6, 2022 at 7:52 pm

    Paul, you were a good friend to me and so many more. Rest In Peace my friend.

  3. Rether / June 6, 2022 at 7:55 pm

    When my fiancée and I met Al Hrabosky at Busch stadium last week, I told him that he pitched two innings of the first Cardinals game I attended in-person. That was September of 1974. I was at that game with Dr. Harris, Jeff, and Paul. I’ll never forget Paul’s sports column entries in the Lebanon Advertiser back in the day. They were as funny as they were informative.

  4. Christy Ettling / June 6, 2022 at 8:35 pm

    My condolences to all of Paul’s family, whenever I would see him at Schnucks he would always wave and give that big Paul smile I hope your memories bring you peace and comfort ❤️

  5. Shields Linda / June 6, 2022 at 11:06 pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss, Pam. My heart goes out to you. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Sending prayers and hugs.

  6. Les Crump / June 7, 2022 at 1:08 am

    A Great Friend I Remember him Best Playing the Tuba for Lebanon High in the Pep Band at Basketball games. and at the time LEBANON was 27-0!

  7. Barbara Todoroff / June 7, 2022 at 6:25 am

    My condolences to you and your family.

  8. Steve Lombardo / June 7, 2022 at 7:42 am

    So sorry for your family’s loss of Paul! He a multi-talented man that was kind hearted and always nice to those he met. May he rest in peace.

  9. Kay Clune / June 7, 2022 at 8:08 am

    Such a wonderful fulfilling life cut all too short. My condolences to all of Paul’s family.

    Kay Tragesser Clune

  10. Kathy Twenhafel Woodward / June 7, 2022 at 9:31 am

    My heart breaks for all of the family. I have wonderful memories of Paul from Looking Glass Playhouse and the Roadshow! Paul’s big smile and personality drew people to him.

  11. Wayne Loehring / June 7, 2022 at 11:32 am

    My deepest sympathies are extended to Paul’s family members and friends. Paul was fun to have in my classroom and I enjoyed talking sports with him every day. Paul was also our “stat” man for the Greyhound basketball team and he enjoyed hanging around the gym with players and coaches. Rest in peace, my friend. God Bless.

  12. Randy Rentfro / June 7, 2022 at 12:43 pm

    Jeanine and family

    What a beautiful tribute to your brother. His life ended much too soon. We are keeping all of your close to our hearts. May your memories of him bring you comfort. Hugs and love, Randy and Ron

  13. Debbie King / June 7, 2022 at 4:47 pm

    Paul was one of the nicest most intelligent men I’ve ever known
    . My heart is breaking for Pam. My most heartfelt prayers for his beloved family. He is going to be missed by so many folks. His many friends at Schnucks are heart broken
    He was one in a million and his passing will be felt for many years. Pam you are in my prayers. My deepest condolences.

  14. THOMAS A KUES / June 7, 2022 at 5:12 pm

    PAUL IT WAS GREAT MY FAMILY AND I GROING UP WITH YOU ! WILL MISS YOU WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU !

  15. Cheryll Harrison Hall / June 7, 2022 at 7:03 pm

    Jeanine, Jeff, Pam, Mary & family,
    This captures Paul to a “t” and we extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. My heart broke when Jeanine’s message was shared. Fond memories of all the good times we had as kids & seeing that age really didn’t slow down the antics much attest to how Paul lived life to its fullest. I can imagine he’s conjuring up something to prank us, get us all to laugh, and bring us together . I know the reunion with your parents will be a joyous one! Trust that God has a plan for each of us and we will continue to remember and love Paul. He’s on to greater things. Our thoughts, prayers, and heart goes out to each of you. Sending our love always~Cheryll, Jim, Stephanie & Tim Hall

  16. Rob Malone / June 7, 2022 at 8:18 pm

    Every time Paul saw me, he acted as if I was his best friend in the world. He was one of the warmest and most gracious people I have ever known. He always had a firm handshake and a warm smile.

    A man of passion and a dry humor that was lost on most people. The throw-away lines came fast and furious and if you weren’t paying attention they would zoom over your head.

    Though I haven’t seen Paul in about 20 years, the news of his passing cuts deep. It is a piercing wound that will forever bleed.

    Truly one of the great ones. And I honestly believe my life is better for have knowing him.

    You touched more people than you probably knew and you leave a void that will never be filled. I miss you my friend and pray that we will reunite again. .

  17. Joe Tragesser / June 8, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Great Grandfather George, Grandfather Clinton, Father Delbert… Paul rests with the Harris clan… Rest in Peace, Paul … Our condolences to his survivors…

  18. Ed Zabotka / June 8, 2022 at 9:28 pm

    To Jeff and Paul’s family. So sorry for your loss. May Paul rest in peace. May God grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time.

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