Lee Harris (1915-1990), Carthage, MO

Lee Harris, Carthage, MO will long be remembered for his leadership as a Guernsey cattle breeder and dairyman. He was active in the Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association, as a junior dairy leader, and in community affairs. From 1947-1973 he and his wife Ruth, with the help of their three sons, owned and operated Lee-Ru Dairy, Carthage, selling Golden Guernsey milk, under the National Trademark to a large clientele in SW MO.

Lee was born July 15, 1915 at Lamar, MO. His parents were William and Martie Harris. He was reared in the Lamar area. In 1934 he married Ruth F. Wilson at Lamar. The family after engaging in general farming moved to Carthage in 1946 and in 1947 started Lee-Ru Dairy where 175 to 200  Guernsey  cows  were  milked.  The herd was on DHIA test for over 25 years. Lee was a leader in the FFA program and 4-H Club work. He showed cattle at local and state shows throughout Missouri. He organized and accompanied the Missouri State Guernsey Herd, consisting largely of young exhibitors to National Dairy Shows in 1960. His oldest son, David developed into an outstanding junior dairyman and showman, winning several Grand Championship at the Ozark Empire Fair, Springfield and the Missouri State Fair, in addition to top awards at many local dairy shows.

Lee served as a Director and was President of the Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association for several years. He devoted much time and energy to affairs of the Association and cooperation among the local associations reached new levels. He was a member of the American Guernsey Cattle Club (now American Guernsey Association) as well as the state Guernsey Association. While in Carthage he was a member of the Carthage Chamber of Commerce; active in the Jasper County Youth Fair and the Baptist Church.

Lee and Ruth were the parents of three sons: David, Carthage; twins Darrell, Liberty, MO and Dale, Joplin. A daughter Jacqueline Harris, died in 1936.

In 1978 Lee turned over general management of the dairy to his son David who still lives on the family farm. The herd has now been discontinued. Lee and Ruth moved to Mesa, Arizona, largely for health reasons, in 1977 and he managed Silver Spur Mobile Home Park until 1985 when they moved to Granite Shoals, Texas where he passed away in 1990.

Lee Harris was not only known for his leadership in Missouri dairy circles. He was a practical, straightforward, kindly man always ready to assist any individual in need or aid in any worthwhile project in agriculture.