Andrew Harris

Andrew Jay Harris, 68, passed away on September 12, 2016, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. He was born in Waterloo, Iowa the son of Cecil and Aleine Harris on August 19, 1948.

Andrew graduated from Saydel High School, lived in the Des Moines area all of his life, and worked at Firestone for 32 years. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was well decorated. He was a member of the VFW Post #738, 3/5 Cav Black Knights 9th Infantry Division, and Mike’s Train Collectors Club.

Andrew enjoyed not only collecting model trains but reading and studying their history. He also enjoyed NASCAR, hunting, spending time with his Black Knight Vietnam Veteran buddies and attending their annual reunions, as well as relaxing at home with his cat Leonard on his lap. He was a fan of the ISU Cyclones and was known for his humor and storytelling by family and friends. Above all, he loved spending time with his family.

Andrew is survived by his wife, Teresa (Terri); son, Steve Harris; step-son, Tommy Thompson (Judy); brother, Cecil Ray Harris, Jr.; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Dave Eason; sister-in-law, Julie Portwood; mother-in-law, Patricia Portwood; nephew, Brent Messelheiser (Lisa); niece, Dawn Ledin (Tom); great-niece, Caitlan Ledin; great-nephews, Kyle Ledin, Carter Ledin, Dylan Messelheiser; and many more cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 16, 2016, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 19, 2016, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter. The family will receive visitors Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m., also at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Andrew.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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