Robert Dale Harris
September 25, 1946 ~ October 15, 2013
Robert Dale Harris, age 67, of Mooresville, passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2013. Born September 25, 1946 in Ft. Dodge, Iowa, he was the son of the late Harry and Frances (Remster) Harris.
Robert was a school teacher for 33 years, retiring in 2002. He taught health and physical education at Beech Grove High School where he also coached the boys’ basketball team. He loved to golf, fish, and watch Jeopardy. He was a member of Mt. Gilead Christian Church and the BPOE #2186 in Plainfield.
Survivors include his wife, Jayne (Haymaker) Harris; his son, Timothy Harris; his daughter, Lynsey (Nick) Lamatrice; his brother, Charles Harris; and his mother in law, Martha Lou Haymaker.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. in the Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, with calling from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
You may visit www.carlislebranson.com where you may share a memory with the family and sign the guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of America.
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Jayne, I just learned of Bob’s passing. I am so saddened to hear this. I pray you, Lynsey, Tim, and your Mom will be comforted and cared for in the days ahead. I love you, Jane Robinson
Jayne & family, We are so sorry to hear about Bob. You will be lifted up in our prayers during this difficult time. Please call if we can be helpful. 862-3315. Jim & Judy Jones
I worked with Bob at the International School. I always enjoyed his laugh and his hilarious stories. He was such a kind and generous person. I can’t believe he is gone. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Jayne, Tim, and Linsey.
Dear Harris Family, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Bob. He was a great man and a great teacher. He was one of those teachers that left a lasting impressions. He made an impact in my high school career. I pray for peace as your family goes through this difficult time. Jessica Whiteside
Jayne and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Benny and Debbie Lewis.
I remember when I took advanced gym my senior year we had a ping pong tournament and I got to play Mr Harris for the champ….that was the closest he said anyone had come close to beating him so he gave me an A for the class
Mr. Harris always had a kind and welcoming smile , he was one of the few that seemed to love his job and his students , prayers to his family and loved ones.
Harris Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to call Coach a friend. Lot of great memories playing golf and fishing. He was a great guy who always spoke of his love of his family. My prayers go out to your family.
Coach Harris was one of the very the first to believe in me on the basketball court and gave me my first shot — I’m still grateful. I think a lot of Coach. He was honest, fair and wanted the best for his students. You will be missed, Coach.
Jayne, Tim, and Lynsey, I am so sorry for your loss. My family and I are praying for you all. Coach always spoke so highly and was so proud of his family. He was a great man and had a big impact on my life and many others. I feel very blessed to call him not only my coach and teacher but also my friend. He will be sorely missed.
DearJayne, Merle and I were so saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Although we haven’t seen you for some time, we will always hold dear those times we spent together after ballgames and with friends. Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to you and the children. Fondly, Merle and Stephanie Schulenborg
Jayne, Tim & Lynsey, I am so deeply saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Please know that you are all in my prayers and thoughts. I know that your faith will be the Rock you lean on. Should you need anything, please call. Doug & Jo Colgrove
Jayne, Tim, and Lynsey, I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a great teacher, coach, and father…but mostly, a great guy. I really enjoyed our time coaching together at LC…or against one another at BG. I learned a tremendous amount from Bob…he was both a friend and mentor to me…he will be greatly missed. Tim and Terry Feezle
Jayne, Just so sorry to hear of your loss. He was always so helpful every time I would show up at your house to drop off donations to Haiti. I will be keeping you in my prayers and you know you can call on me for anything! Love in Christ, Connie Keesee
I am sorry to hear of Coach’s passing, He was an inspiration to me my 9th grade year at Craig Junior High School. Fond memories and a lot of respect, I thank you for it Coach. Many years have passed, sorry I never got to say it to you in person. Praying for the family in these hard and difficult times. Jay T Weaver
Jayne, Tim and Lynsey, As a counselor at BGHS, Bob and I spent numerous times talking about our Hornet kids and in particular just how much his basketball players meant to him. He loved those kids and provided strong mentoring opportunities for his boys to develop, lead and become successful men. He was always talking about his wife and kids and how proud he was of all of you. Know that there are many who are surrounding you with love and peace during this difficult time. May your faith guide you to accept things we cannot understand. Donna Hirt
As a fellow teacher at BGHS, I recognize this picture so well, taken at the start of another school year, Bob probably having stepped off the golf course the day before school started.I still hear him calling fron one end of the hall to to me, ‘Hey professor,’ with that characteristic chuckle. That picture captures just the way he looked when he approached. We enjoyed many a laugh at the end of the day, recalling our experiences in the classroom. One time he was telling me about a student who received a late penalty for submitting work in Bob’s Health class. Now Bob was a coach, so he could ‘cut to the chase.’ The student thought it was unfair to receive the penalty. Bob responded it would be unfair to all the Other students who submitted their work on time if he didn’t assess the penalty. I made generous use of that response with my own students. After we both retired, we also chatted periodically on the phone. Bob was a serious man too and rather philosophical at times. We shared our ‘concerns and challenges’ about life in general and I listened and certainly appreciated his kind words to me in every single conversation. The last time I saw Bob was in passing at the old Indpls. Airport. He suddenly appeared out of the parking garage and we both burst into laughter as he barked ‘Hey professor,’ and I rejoined ‘Hey coacher.’ I am proud to have been one of Bob’s good friends at BGHS and I will surely miss him Jayne, be assured that you, Tim, and Lynsey are in my prayers. I know how much you supported Bob and that your faith will support you now. Remember, ‘Be not afraid, for I am with you always.’ Terry Daley
To each and every one of you I send heartfelt and sincere gratitude. I’m trying to think of some original way to phrase it, but all I can say is each of these messages has been a song to my heart. I mean that. I have heard all my life that funeral services were not about death but a celebration of someone’s life. I never believed that until Bob’s service. I am so grateful to each of you who were able to share in it. And to Jason Flint and his mother: Lynsey read your letter aloud at our family gathering. Every single one of us tearfully smiled and said we hoped someone could write something that beautiful about us. God’s Mighty Blessings to you all, Jayne
It’s a bit ironical that a commitment to being a Public Address Announcer at Beech Grove on Saturday prevented me from the chance to visit in person to offer my respects about Coach Harris. The first seasons I announced for BGHS boys’ basketball were during his service there, which included a Sectional title and Mike Renfro’s single-game scoring record. I saw Coach as striving toward the ideal of ‘tough, but fair’ that has marked the character of all my favorite coaches. I wish I would have had more chances to just chat with him, but those I did get back then were valuable. Steve Nontell, P.A. Announcer for BGHS Boys’ Basketball, 1990/91 to 2011/12
Jayne, So sorry to learn of your loss. Though I’m sorry to say I didn’t know your husband, judging from the memories and comments here, he seems to have been a wonderful man. Heaven must be shining a little brighter now. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending warm hugs, Jeanne DeFelice Aydt, co-worker
I am so sad to hear of Bob’s passing. I truly enjoyed working with him in the PE department at Beech Grove HS and enjoyed talking basketball at every opportunity. He was a good man with a great sense of humor; I remember him calling Terry ‘Professor’, as Terry Daley wrote—ha, I can hear him saying that now with that big grin on his face. I think he had a nickname for most everyone. He would also talk quite often of how proud he was of his family!! Thank you for the memories BOBBY!! Our loss is heaven’s gain. I pray for strength for all who will miss him!! —-Dawn McNew
I’m am truly sorry for your families loss. May the Lord wrap his arms around your family and give you strength and comfort that you guys need. I really am sorry!
Bob was truly an inspirational man with a wonderful sense of humor. I was a gym assistant for several years (94-97) and I looked forward to working with and learning from him every single day. I also played women’s basketball and he provided great feedback and guidance on my game. I’m truly saddened to hear of him passing and my thoughts go out to his family. Rest In Peace Bob, you were a incredible man!
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Harris, all that knew him spoke highly of him and all the support he gave to the International School of Indiana. He will indeed be missed.
I am saddened to hear that Bob is no longer with us. We spoke frequently during lunch periods at the International School. One year, after we learned Bob was a basketball coach, he coached the male faculty team against the boys in a charity exhibition. He was the consummate professional and a good coach. My deepest sympathy to his family. Mitch Chabraja
Bob was a wonderful, warm person with a kind and caring heart. The students loved him, and he helped out many colleagues new to Indiana and the US with his advice. He has left us far too early. Sincere condolences to Jayne and family, on behalf of all at the International School of Indiana. David Garner Head of School
I was extremely sad to hear about Bob’s passing. He was a truly warm hearted and kind man. He was a very helpful colleague whom the students absolutely adored here at the International School of Indiana. I offer my sincere condolences to his family. Muriel Charpentier, French teacher at International School of Indiana.
Bob was one of the friendliest and kindest people I have ever met. I, along with every student at the International School, would always look forward to having him as a substitute teacher and he always carried around candy in his pocket. I am truly saddened to hear about his passing. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Every time I see or hear of someone doing for another person, it reminds me of Bob. He was a truly special person and like everyone else I miss him. At ISI, Bob brought a calming and safe feel to everything he touched. Despite all the efforts of the staff to keep things ticking over, Bob achieved this simply through his kindness, patience and experience. Personally, I believe Bob was, is one of those people who we are all truly lucky to meet. He worked with me, always helped, always advised, always had everyone else’s needs as a priority. I’m sorry its taken me so long to find this and write. I hope all his family are well. I’ve worked with many teachers, in more than one country. He is the only I know who called a family each day to tell them something great / or nice about their son or daughter. God Bless. Matt
Keeping you close in my heart and prayers. May God carry and comfort you as only he can. Love you Jayne, Lora Hurley
‘Jayne- So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers..’ Larry Jackson
Jayne, Lynsey and Tim ~ I am so very sorry to hear of Bob’s death and know that you have many years of wonderful memories to hold close. He was such a wonderful friend and I so enjoyed talking with him…he never knew a stranger. Praying God’s comfort for you all during this time. With love and prayers, Kyle Kincaid
Jayne – I am so sory to hear of Bob’s death – my prayers go out to you and your family. May you find comfort in the memories you shared together. Diane Clipp Spencer
Jayne, we were so sorry to hear about Bob, we both hope with the help of family and friends you can get through this tough time. We are thinking of you. Larry & Sandy
Jayne, Lynsey and Tim…I am very saddened and my heart hurts in a very unique way today as I learn of Coach’s passing. Please know that his teaching, coaching and lessons on life will continue to live through me and the many other people whose lives he has touched throughout the years. I will always remember the unbelievable love and pride that he had for each of you individually and as a family. I am hear for anything you need, 317-294-8213. With Deep Love & Sympathy, Jeff Stewart.
Jayne, we are sorry to hear about Bob. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Ed and Barbara
Jayne, we are so sorry for your loss. May the strength of your faith and the loving support of family and friends see you through this dark time. Margaret (Mason) and Tom Duncan
will miss bob deeply,great memories golf with him at heartland crossing,my heart was to hear. my prayers go to his family.. love,dan and barb johnson
Jayne, Tim, & Lynsey ~ Tony & I are so sorry for your devastating loss. We pray for peace and comfort for your hurting hearts, and we want you to know this saddens us so much to learn of Bob’s passing. With deepest sympathy, Tony & Jayne Moore
I was so sorry to hear the news this week. Bob was a great teacher and friend. He was always willing to go the extra mile to help me when I needed it most during my time at BGHS. I will always carry fond memories of him with me. My thoughts are with all of you.
Jayne and family – Tim and I were saddened by the news of Bob’s passing. Bob was a good man loved by many and will be missed greatly. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, Tim and Brenda Hemmelgarn
Dear Jayne and family, We are saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. We are very sorry for you loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. David and Marylee Pound