Kenneth Darrell Harris

Kenneth Harris Obituary

Kenneth Darrell Harris, 70, originally from Elyria, Ohio, passed away in Louisville, KY on October 27, 2025. Born on May 18, 1955, in Elyria, he was the son of the late Willie Harris and Marva Anthony (née Mosby).

Kenneth attended Elyria High School before enlisting in the United States Army. He served his country honorably both stateside and abroad, achieving the rank of Sergeant. A graduate of the U.S. Army Chemical School and the Noncommissioned Officer School, he served in the Army Corps of Engineers, where he trained his unit’s Nuclear Biological Chemical Defense Teams. Kenneth received numerous medals and commendations for his service. His military training laid the foundation for his college education and future career.

Following his service, Kenneth earned degrees in Chemical Engineering and built a distinguished civilian career. He worked for U.S. Steel, Philip Morris, Dow Chemical, Rhone Poulenc, Kentucky Foam, and Sypris Technologies.

Kenneth’s passions extended far beyond his professional life. He was a 5th‑degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, demonstrating his martial arts ability both in and out of the military. He also inherited a love and talent for music from his father. In the 1980s, he founded a band in Louisville where he played bass, and he enjoyed playing the kalimba and other stringed instruments. Kenneth was an avid chess player, known for his sharp mind, great sense of humor, and willingness to lend a helping hand. His kindness and generosity built lasting friendships throughout his life.

Kenneth is survived by his daughters, Dr. Monique Wilson and Ashley Leonard (Leon); grandchildren Jazmyn Akins, Tyler Williams, and Corey Williams; siblings Paulette Harris Barnes, Clint Harris (Chasity), Dr. Shelle Harris Mathis, Kimmy Harris, Joyce Mosby Todd, Monica Anthony Davis (Corey), Bishop Charles Howard (Dr. Valerie), Duwayne Howard, and Angela Howard; stepmother Alice Harris Fenn; aunt Barbara Harris Kirby (Joseph); uncles Roosevelt Harris (late Brenda) and Rudolph Mosby; and a host of extended family and friends who loved him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Harris and Marva Anthony; his bonus mother, Valeria Harris; maternal grandparents Leon Mosby Sr. and Annie B. Mims Mosby; paternal grandparents Joe Harris Sr. and Pearlena Stokes Chaney; siblings Regina Mosby Coleman, Lisa Harris Noble, Christopher Johnson, and Karlton Mosby Sr.

Family and friends may call Friday, December 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM at Carter's Funeral Home, 3001 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, OH. Bishop Charles Howard will officiate. Burial will be with full military honors at 2:30 PM in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, OH. Repast will be 4:30 at God's Kngdom Center 423 Washington Avenue Lorain, Ohio.

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to 

Carter Funeral Homes Inc.

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