1921
2013
OKLAHOMA CITY – WWII veteran Earl William Harrison, 92, died July 29, 2013.
Earl was born on May 28, 1921 to Earl Austin Harrison and Beulah Hull Harrison. He grew up mostly in Enid, Oklahoma. He enjoyed playing sports and was the self-proclaimed best marble player in the neighborhood, with a record of winning 1300 marbles. He graduated from Enid High School and Enid Business College and was proud to be offered a job in Washington D.C. The day after he arrived, Pearl Harbor was bombed and shortly after he was drafted. He proudly served in the United States Army as a teletype operator and worked in England, Germany, Belgium, and France.
After returning home, he joined the Air Force Reserves and pitched two seasons on a semi-pro baseball team in New York before injuring his arm. Fortunately, at his doctor's office, he met and fell in love with Hazel Cooper. They were married in Enid on July 9, 1949 and had one daughter, Pattie Sue, who died at birth. Earl continued to work with the Corps of Engineers in Enid, Eufala, Sallisaw and Ponca City, Oklahoma. He retired to Shawnee in 1975 after 34 years of service. Hazel died of cancer just a few years later.
Earl married Emma Strasbaugh on January 12, 1980. They traveled all over the world and often took grandchildren along with them on their travels. They attended Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City and loved each other dearly until her death in June 2012. Earl longed to be in Heaven with his "sweethearts". Today, we celebrate his life and rejoice with their reunion in Heaven.
Earl is preceded in death by his parents, brother Jack, sister Ruth Ann and sister Betty; his first wife Hazel Cooper, second wife Emma Strasbaugh, daughter Pattie Sue, niece Linda and granddaughter Angie Dunham.
He is survived by Floyd and Linda Strasbaugh of Tampa, FL; Bob and Reba Rodgers of Oklahoma City, Rick and Debbie Strasbaugh of Norman, OK and his niece Connie and Bill Manion of Sulphur, OK. He is survived by five grandchildren and their spouses, 12 great-grandchildren and their spouses and 11 great-great grandchildren.
Earl's family would like to give a special thanks to Mercy Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
July 31, 2013
Ralph & Juanita West
We want to express our sincere and deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved father and grandfather.
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Chapel Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens8701 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73162
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