Raymond L. Harris

Raymond L. Harris, 85, of Galesburg, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2025.

He was born on March 31, 1940 in Avon, IL, to H. Lowell and Mary (Aitken) Harris. Raymond married Jeanne Galbreath on June 17, 1962 in rural Galesburg and they have enjoyed 63 years together. His wife survives along with his three daughters, Jane (Mike Taylor) Harris of New Berlin, IL, Diane (Tim) Durdle of Manito, IL, Debbie (Ron) Newell of Williamsfield, IL; one son: Duane (Susanna) Harris of Sandia Park, NM; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Martha (& Ray) Perschnick of Broken Arrow, Ok, Carol Haase of Monmouth, IL, and Shirley Harris of Alexis, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Louise Thurman and Joan Brown.

Raymond graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958 and had farmed his whole life. He started a career at John Deere Plow & Planter in Moline, IL in 1964 to be able to afford to farm, and bought a small farm north of Galesburg in 1968 where he raised his family, lots of cattle, corn, soybeans, and hay. He and his wife owned and operated the North Side Laundry in Galesburg for 20 years. He retired from John Deere in 1992 and enjoyed babysitting grandkids and baling hay for himself and many of the neighbors with his John Deere tractor and round baler.

He enjoyed bus trips across the US and cruises with classmates. Raymond loved woodworking and could make or build anything. His greatest love was his family with many gatherings from Illinois to New Mexico.

Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Henderson Twp. Fire Department or Williamsfield FFA.