John David Harrison

John David Harrison, 76, of Angel Fire, New Mexico, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family,

Memorial Service: A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at Saint Catherine’s Chapel, 300 West Highway 6. At a later date, there will be an interment in Marysville, Kansas.

John was born on May 9, 1943, in Marysville, Kansas to George Oscar and Lucy Anola (Ensworth) Harrison. He graduated from Marysville High School in 1961 then later from Kansas State University in 1965. John married his college sweetheart, Barbara McCurdy, on August 14, 1966. He was commissioned into the Army and served in Frankfurt, Germany from 1965-1969. After the Army, John earned his Master’s degree from the University of Kansas in Public Administration and was a member of KUCIMAT. John served the public through his work in city government in the cities of Fort Worth, Texas; Paola, Kansas; McCook, Nebraska; Arlington, Texas; Odessa, Texas; Waco, Texas; and Angel Fire, New Mexico. He served as president of the Texas City Management Association and Vice-President of the International City Management Association. John loved the mountains, going on hikes with his family and dogs, and playing golf whenever he could.

John was preceded in death by his mother and father and his brothers, George Dean, Richard, William Walter “Bud”, and Gary.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Barbara (McCurdy), daughters, Sara West and her husband, David of San Antonio, Kristin Prewitt and her husband, Larry of McGregor, and Rachael Harrison of Princeton. John had six grandchildren that he loved dearly: Nathaniel Prewitt, Samantha Prewitt, Madalyn West, Harrison Hamilton, Jonathon Prewitt, and Lucy West. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Lou Smith of Marysville, Kansas, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Providence Hospice in Waco.

 

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Condolence Messages

  1. I know that your loss is heaven’s gain. What a legacy your husband, dad, and grandpa has left. I will continue to cover you in prayer in the days ahead. May the sweet memories fill your empty spaces, brighten the darkness, and bring laughter and comfort to lessen the pain and sadness. God bless you.

  2. Much love to you, my friends. Thinking of and praying for you all at this time. Your dad was a nice man and I enjoyed seeing your parents during their Phillipsburg visits.

  3. Thalia McAninch

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I enjoyed working with John while he was City Manager of Waco. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thalia McAninch

  4. Steve and Margie rogers

    Margie and I are so sorry for your loss. J.D. was a great guy, gentleman and pledge brother, his loss is mourned.

  5. I pray you have memories that comfort you, friends to support you and faith that will ease your sadness.
    I have memories of John from here in Marysville
    Sincerely
    One of Johns 2nd Cousins
    Marjorie (Maendele) Cumro

  6. John was the City Manager in Waco, TX when I started with the City of Waco in January 1988. John was always fair and looked out for employees. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

    Randy

  7. Please know Barb that Fran and I have you and the family in the depths of our hearts and treasure the many memories of a very good friend and classmate. May the Lord and his promise help comfort you at this time of sorrow.

  8. So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We had many good times in high school. He was one of the best athletes that I had the pleasure of knowing and watching perform. Condolences to Barbara and family. May you rest in peace John.

  9. Velinda V. Moody

    I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Harrison when he was City Manager and I worked in Legal. He was a great leader. May his memory be eternal.

    Velinda V. Moody

  10. Sincere sympathy john was always one of my favorite people growing up .he sang at my wedding may God be with you and comfort you during the coming days Karen parry rettig

  11. Sam and Jerry Louise Musil

    Barb we are so very sorry to hear about John. Just the other day Sam and I were talking about you both, Sam was talking about his time in football with John and I was remembering when you and I tried to make a move to be accepted into I woodworking classes. I know John will be missed by many people, he was such a wonderful person. Remember that God will hold you in the palm of your hand during this time and your friends will keep you in their thoughts and prayers.

  12. Jim and Joan Chamberlain Roberts

    So sorry to learn of your loss Barb. John was a great guy. May your memories continue to ease your sorrow. Sending my prayers.

  13. Thank you for allowing us the honor and privilege of assisting you to care for John. Please accept the condolences of the entire Providence hospice team.
    Sincerely,
    Kathy Davis

  14. Pat Kohlmeyer Taft

    Barb and family….so very sorry to hear of John’s passing….so many fond memories of him at MHS….from the heart – Pat Kohlmeyer Taft

  15. Pam Griffee Briggs

    Barb and family, so sorry to hear about John. So many memories of knowing both of you at MHS and, of course, Kansas State. John was such a special guy. I know he will be missed. Our prayers and sympathy go out to you.
    Brick and Pam Briggs

  16. Pam Griffee Briggs

    Barb and family, so sorry to hear about John. Have many great memories of MHS and, of course, Kansas State. John was a great guy—we know he will be missed. Sending our prayers and sincere sympathy
    Brick and Pam Briggs

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