Ernest D. Harrison Sr.

Ernest D. Harrison, Sr., 93, of Venice, Florida, formerly of East Peoria, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Bella Vita Assisted Living in Venice, FL. Ernie was born September 14, 1929, in Newman, IL to Herbert Taylor Harrison and Sadie Alma Crane. He married Joanne L. Faylor on November 12, 1949. Ernie is survived by four of his six children, Karen S. (Robert) Mueller of Venice, FL, Diane M. Huffman of Vero Beach, FL, Wendy K. (Roger) Reiner of Mount Prospect, IL and Christopher T. (Vanessa) Harrison of Chicago, IL. He also leaves behind several grandsons, granddaughters and great grandchildren who relished in sharing a Cub game with him and sitting around the table playing card games and Dominoes. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Joanne L. Harrison, daughter, Terri L. Harrison and son, Ernest D. Harrison, Jr. Ernie had six siblings including four sisters and two brothers. He traded childhood for adulthood at an early age, initially working on the railroad, before landing an apprenticeship at Caterpillar. He was a gifted electrician and a man who could fix anything. He was as curious as he was tenacious and rarely settled for anything less than perfection. “You need to find the right tool for the job” and “do it right or don’t do it at all” were common phrases in the Harrison household. He took pride in his work and enjoyed passing on his knowledge to others. Ernie was an avid golfer and played in both the men's and couples' golf leagues at Quail Meadows and Fondulac golf courses. He is remembered for having more than a handful of hole-in-ones and could hit a punch and run with a seven iron as well as anyone. He was also an avid Cubs fan and endured decades of heartache before finally enjoying a World Series victory in 2016, which would be the first in his lifetime. He was the Grand Master of the Hilton Masonic Lodge #1143 in East Peoria and was also involved with Eastern Star and Shriners. He enjoyed giving back to his community and routinely marched in parades for various causes and participated in community dinners including the corned beef and cabbage supper, Grotto fish fry and many others. He was a kind and loving man who never hesitated to help those in need. Dad never met a stranger. He always had a smile on his face and would talk with just about anyone. A quick trip to the mall often meant leaving him behind so he could visit with old friends. He was always wanting to 'go on a trip' and especially loved spontaneous adventures where you hit the back country roads, reminiscing, and laughing along the way. As a stock car driver in his younger years, he loved to put the pedal to the metal, and as he said, "blow out the corn cobs" in his car. Speaking of cars, he loved them and traded cars quite often, always looking to upgrade to the newest model. Once he outgrew his need for speed, he enjoyed painting, playing Pinochle, Dominoes, and spending time with his family. Ernie spent most of his life (36 years) working at Caterpillar Tractor Co. in East Peoria, Il and retired for a short time before returning to work at a subsidiary of Caterpillar known as Advanced Technology Services. He also served admirably in the East Peoria Police Department in his younger years. Private memorial services are planned for the immediate family in Venice, Florida on December 30th. Inurnment will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to First English Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

Ernest D. Harrison Sr.

September 14, 1929 - November 26, 2022