Obituary for '77 FCHS grad

Nathian Ray Harris, 67, of Florence, Missouri, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born February 14, 1959, in Fairbury, Illinois, the only child of Bernard and Viola (Wessel) Harris.

Nathian graduated from Fairbury-Cropsey High School in 1977. On June 9, 1979, he married Judith A. VanAntwerp in Fairbury, and they shared 46 years together.

In the late 1970s, he moved to Missouri with the goal of owning land. There, he built a life centered around his farm, raising cattle, cutting and selling firewood, and doing custom hay baling and other jobs tied to the land. He also worked at Gates for ten years and for the gun stock factory for many years.

He spent much of his time outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, gardening, and working in the timber. He also enjoyed going to the lake, boating, camping, cookouts, and sitting around a fire visiting with family and friends. His interests included carpentry, construction, and roofing, and he followed softball, football, and wrestling.

He hunted squirrel, rabbit, deer, pheasant, coon, turkey, quail, and dove. He enjoyed simple cooking, especially making beans and stew, and he always planted extra in his garden to share with others. He had a strong appreciation for animals, especially his dogs.

Nathian valued his family and extended family and took pride in his Native American heritage, which was reflected in his interest in searching for arrowheads.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Judy, of the home; one son, Sean Harris (Chloe) of Florence; one daughter, Heather Harris of Florence; one granddaughter, Addison Marie Gilpin; and many other relatives whom he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Scrivner-Page-Dady Funeral Home in Stover.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sean Harris, Heather Harris, Addison Gilpin, Frank McPherson, and Danny Kerksiek.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.