David Sterling “Dave” Harris

  David Sterling “Dave” Harris, 66, of Wheaton, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026.

          He was born Dec. 6, 1959, in Independence, to Johnny and Geneva (Birkes) Harris. On March 23, 1989, in Wheaton, he married Suzan Stewart, who survives. Also surviving are his sons, David John Harris of Knoxville, Tenn., Daniel Robert Harris and wife Ashley of Olympia, Wash.; daughters, Kelli Harris of Cassville, Sheena Bittle and husband Tim of Exeter, Kirstyn Lydia Harris of Cassville,; sister, Karen Harris Larkin of Springfield; eight grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

          Preceding him in death were his parents and sister, Deborah Harris.       

          He graduated from Terranova High School in Pacifica, Calif. and made Wheaton his home in 1977. He owned and operated Wheaton Locker Service for 11 years. He later spent 25 years at Schreiber Cheese in Monett, retiring earlier this year.

          He dedicated 37 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Wheaton Fire Department and proudly served as mayor of Wheaton. He was a member of Ridgley Baptist Church. 

         A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, July 11, at Wheaton Southern Baptist Church in Wheaton, under direction of McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton.

        Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Wheaton Fire Department in memory of Dave.