George "Dewey" D. Harris

MASON CITY: George “Dewey” D. Harris Jr., 87, of Mason City, died Thursday, October 1, 2015 at the Good Shepherd Health Center. Per Dewey’s request, his body will be cremated. The family will greet friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue. Private inurnment will take place at a later date with military rites conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association. Memorials may be given to the VFW, 1603 S. Monroe, Mason City, Iowa.

Dewey was born September 2, 1928 in Mason City the son of George Dewey Sr. and Ruth (Hanson) Harris. He enlisted in the US Navy in October of 1945 and received an honorable discharge in October of 1949. While in the Navy, Dewey was involved with testing the Atomic Bomb on Bikini Atoll. Following his discharge, he was diagnosed with Paget’s disease, a disease of the bone. He returned to Mason City and attended a motor repair program through the VA. After working for Tag’s Auto Repair for a few years, Dewey moved to Long Beach, California. He married Dorothy Taylor and 2 children were born to this union. They would later divorce. He then worked overhauling Volkswagen Motors which were placed in Dune Buggies which at the time were very popular in California. He would later move back to Mason City to help care for his parents. After their passing, he remained in the home place holding part time jobs. In June of 2008, he entered the Good Shepherd Health Center where he received excellent care and attention from their staff. The Harris family appreciated the care given to him.

Dewey is survived by his siblings, Charles “Chuck” (Dixie) Harris of Mason City, Larry (Shirley) Harris of Kansas City, Missouri and Carolyn Funk of Mason City; several nieces and nephews.

Dewey was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister, Norma Welbourn, Oskaloosa.