Joseph C. Harris, 89 of Rantoul, died at 9:25 a.m. Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.

Private family burial will be held at Huls Cemetery, Gifford with Rev. Debra Domeier officiating.

Joseph was born September 5, 1933, in Rantoul the son of Earl and Mildred Roghten Harris.  He married Sonia L. Flesner June 16, 1956, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Gifford.  She survives.

Along with his wife, Sonia, he is survived by two sons, Jeffrey (Sheryl) Harris of St. Joseph, Gregory Harris of Rantoul; two grandchildren, three great grandchildren; one sister, Julie (Roscoe) Specht of Rantoul; one brother, Jack (Judy) Harris of Texas; a sister-in-law, Louise Harris of Paxton and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bob and two sisters, Dorothy and Helen.

Joseph graduated from Rantoul Township High School, attended Illinois State Normal and the University of Illinois.  He graduated from Parkland College and Eastern Illinois University.  He served in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves.

He retired in 1993 after 38 ½ years from Civil Service.  He served in numerous capacities including instructor supervisor, training specialist, chief of training programs and electric test material writer.  He was also in the Air Force Reserves as a technical sergeant.

Joseph was a member of the American Lutheran Church Rantoul, American Quarter Horses Association and a life member of the Moose Lodge.

He enjoyed showing quarter horses and watching his granddaughter show.  He always looked forward to his trip to Bradenton, Florida every year.

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor's choice.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.