Emery Harris

Emery Neil Harris, 66, of Ogallala, passed away on Saturday August 21, 2021 at the Ogallala Community Hospital, after a short battle with cancer.

He was born on June 2, 1955 in Grant, Nebraska to Arden “Doc” and Gwendolyn (Rowley) Harris at Grant.

Emery grew up on a farmstead just outside of Grant. He was one of 5 children. He graduated from Grant High School in 1973. While in high school and shortly after, he took his first job at Grant Bean & Seed. Subsequently, moved to Ogallala and took a job at Arnold Engineering, where he would continue to work for over 40 years.

In 1981, he met his wife, Marla (Blakeman), marrying on October 30, 1982. Together they had two children, Brian and Heather. Emery was so proud of his children’s accomplishments. Emery was an avid hunter, hunting game such as deer, antelope, pheasant and geese. He always enjoyed the company and comradely of his friends and family on his hunting trips. He also frequented auctions and estate sales, always looking for unique finds and in turn reselling, as a hobby.

Emery will always be remembered for his story telling, jokes, love for raising animals, gun collecting and his ornery smile.

Emery is survived by his wife, Marla, children Brian (Stephanie) Harris of Omaha, Neb., and Heather (Trent) Ockinga of Blue Hill, Neb. He has five grandchildren, Warner, Dean, and Cal Harris of Omaha, Neb., and Emersyn and Mae Ockinga of Blue Hill Neb. Sisters Lorraine (Warren ‘Smoke’) Davison, Bertha Jones, Ardis (Frank) Garcia, all of Sterling, Colo. In-laws Bob (Judy) Blakeman of Broken Bow, Neb., Connie (Mark) Simon of Williamsburg, Va., Donna (Marvin) Larsen of Arnold, Neb., Kay Buecker of Lincoln, Neb., and Roger (Dena) Blakeman of Broken Bow, Neb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Karla Harris, brother-in-laws Thomas Buecker and Dick Jones.

Memorial Service was Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at New Hope Church in Ogallala, Neb., with Eric Wait officiating.

Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, or local charity of choice.

Online condolences can be given at www.drauckerfh.com. by clicking on the “share a memory” button.

Services may be watched via live stream from the Draucker Funeral Home website by clicking the Watch Live button at the time of the service, or at the www.ogallalanewhope.com. A recorded copy of the service will also be posted soon after the service has ended.

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.