Harris, Merle D. "Cotton" (1928-2005)

HARRIS, PIERCE, BURNETT, SEMPRINI

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 2/6/2022 at 12:22:21

Daily Freeman Journal
Webster City, Iowa
Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Merle D. "Cotton" Harris, 76, Boone, passed away at the Boone County Hospital on Sunday, March 13, 2005. He was born on July 7, 1928 in Webster City, the son of Ilo and Mary (Pierce) Harris. On Sept. 6, 1946 he married Litta Burnett at Webster City. Merle was a 1946 graduate of Webster City High School and a 1952 graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor Degree in Math and Science. While attending Iowa State University, Merle participated in Football and Track where he was Captain of the track team from 1951 to 1952. He later continued his education receiving a Masters Degree in Biology.

He taught and coached football in Traer from 1952 to 1955 and in Maquoketa from 1955 to 1957. The family moved to Boone in 1958 where Merle taught from 1958 until his retirement in the early 1980's. He was the head football coach from 1958 to 1971 and the 1976 football season. Merle had 3 undefeated football seasons during his coaching career, 1 in Maquoketa and 2 in Boone.

Merle was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948. He was a Charter Member of the Webster City High School Hall of Fame, was inducted into the High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Boys and Girls Officials Hall of Fame. In 1964, the Des Moines Register selected Merle Coach of the Year and in 1976 was selected Iowa Sporting News Coach of the Year. Merle enjoyed playing golf, cards and fishing.

His parents, wife Litta in October of 2004, 2 sisters, Helen and Dorothy, and 3 brothers, Robert, Charles and Donald Harris preceded him in death.

Survivors include 1 daughter, Patty Semprini of Storm Lake, 4 sons, Mike (Nancy) Harris of Wassenaar, Netherlands, Terry (Barb) Harris of Oak Park, Ill., Larry Harris of Aurora, Colo., Tim Harris of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, 8 grandchildren and 1 sister, Rose Harris of Webster City.

Services are Thursday, March 17 at 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Boone with Rev. Jessica Johnston officiating. Interment will be in Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone. Friends may call at the Stark-Welin Chapel in Boone on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 8 to 11 a.m. when the casket will be taken to the church where visitations will continue from noon until the time of service.

The family will be present at the Stark-Welin Chapel in Boone on Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to greet friends. Stark-Welin Funeral Directors in Boone is in charge of arrangements.