Obituary: Chester Russell Harris; Former Water and Sewer Inspector For the Town of Danvers, Active in Masonic Circles

Obituary from Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home.

Chester Russell Harris, 94, of Danvers, beloved husband of Evelyn Beatrice (Crossman) Harris, died Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House surrounded by his family.

Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late Charles and Eva (Hall) Harris. He was raised and educated in the Boston and North Shore Areas and attended Boston Trade School.

An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II as a member of the 102nd Field Artillery.

Mr. Harris began his career with the former Clifford Whittaker Company of Danvers. He was then associated with the Town of Danvers Water Department for many years. He worked at the Water Treatment Plant and eventually was promoted to the position of Water and Sewer Inspector for the Town of Danvers, retiring in 1986. Upon his retirement he became associated with his son’s company, Comdec Incorporated Manufacturing and Machinery Corporation. He assisted his son in many of the manufacturing processes.

A longtime, well known resident of the Town of Danvers, Chet was active in Masonic Circles. He was a member and Past Master of Mosaic Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Danvers; he was the Past Master of the 28th Lodge of Instruction, Past Master of the 8 PM Association, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 8th Lynn District Masonic Lodges. For his dedication to Masonic ideals and values, Chet was awarded the Meritorious Service Award and the Joseph Warren Medal. He was a Past Patron to the order of Eastern Star of Danvers and was a member of the Aleppo Shrine in Wilmington. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, the York Rite and the North Shore Day/Night Lodge. He was known for his generous spirit and friendly outgoing nature to all. He was an active and outstanding Mason.

Mr. Harris was a long time dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Danvers. He was a former Deacon and was truly a church pillar, helping and volunteering in any capacity. His church was his second home and he was a stalwart and ardent supporter.
A man always dressed for the occasion, Chet will be remembered for his love of his wife, Evelyn and his family, his dedication to the First Baptist Church of Danvers, his charitable work through the Masons and Shriners, his friendly and outgoing nature and his unassuming smile. He will be deeply missed.

Chet is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Evelyn, his daughter, Susan Johnson and her husband Lee of Pfluegerville, Texas, his son, Kenneth Harris and his wife Anita of Amesbury, his grandchildren, Kenneth and Steven Johnson, Christine Miller and Michael and Jonathan Harris, his three great grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Elsie MacKinnon, his one nephew and three nieces. He was also the brother of the late Howard Harris.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service will be held in the Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (rte 62) Danvers, Wednesday, May 6th at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody, Visiting hours Tuesday, May 5th from 4 to 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Chet’s memory to the First Baptist Church of Danvers, 1 Water St., Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visitwww.odonnellfuenralservice.com