David Allen Harris

David Allen Harris, 57, of St. Joseph, passed away March 5, 2006; at his home with the ones he loved, after a courageous battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 P.M., Thursday, March 9, 2006 with Rev. Bob Confer officiating at First Church of God, 2627 Niles Avenue, St. Joseph. Friends may call on the family from 5:00 P.M. -9:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to the David Harris Memorial Fund. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guestbook online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com David was born in Batesville, Arkansas, September 1, 1948, to Harold and Betty (McCarroll) Harris. His parents survive him and reside in Batesville, Arkansas. When Dave was four he moved with his parents from Arkansas to Michigan where he lived the rest of his life. Dave grew up in Benton Harbor, graduating from Benton Harbor High. He loved life, and that he did, he did with enthusiasm and vigor. He loved to play all sports, but the closest to his heart was playing racquetball with his buddies. He was also a faithful fan of all the Detroit teams. David started his career in Mortgages at St. Joseph Savings Bank, advancing through the ranks to become Mortgage Manager. He served as Vice President for Mortgage lending of NBD Bank for Southwest Michigan. He was Vice President of D&N Bank of St. Joseph, Michigan. He started his own mortgage company, Alternative Mortgage Services. David loved helping people fulfill their dreams of homeownership. He was past President of the Benton Harbor Non-profit Organization. He established and was President of the Berrien County Mortgage Review Board. Survivors include his wife Carla (Dronen) whom he married May 27, 1999, his children who he loved dearly, daughters, Shannon Murphy of St. Joseph, Heather Martin of Bainbridge Island, Washington, Kylie Harris of St. Joseph, and a son Sean Harris of Kalamazoo, granddaughter Allix Murphy of St. Joseph, his faithful cat ZZ, and the best friends a man could ever want – Jerry Gathright and Dick DeGroff. His sister DeeAnn preceded him in death. In memory of David, drink a glass of wine, smoke a fine cigar and p.s. cheer for the Detroit Lions and re-write your mortgage.