Paul F. Harris, long time resident of Weirton, W.Va. passed away on October 14, 2009, in Trinity West Medical Center, Steubenville, Ohio.
He was born on June 28, 1925, in Middlebourne, W.Va., a son of the late James William Harris and Martha Francis Carpenter Harris.
Paul attended the Public School of McKean County, Pa., and was graduated from Follansbee High School and earned a Degree in journalism from Kent State University, Ohio.
He served as a Bombardier- Navigator with the 8th Air Force in England during WWII and was discharged from the Air Force Reserve with the Rank of Captain in 1966.
After working as a Radio News Editor in East Liverpool, Ohio, and Weirton, he joined Weirton Steel in 1952 in the Publications and Publicity Department, was named Asst. Director of the Department in 1954, and Director in 1959.
Paul became Director of Public Relations in 1969 and retired in 1979.
Paul was devoted helping others during his working career and in retirement, He long served in volunteer service with the Boy Scouts of America, as a Member-At-Large of the National Council and several positions with the Fort Steuben Area Council. His interest in young people was further evident by being a member of the Executive Board of the Lauretta B. Millsop Council of Camp Fire Girls, as well as a member of the Board of Directors and Secretary of the Junior Achievement of the Greater Weirton Area.
Paul served on the Board of Directors of the Weirton Christian Center including three years as Board President. He also was a long time member of the Board of Trustees of Weirton General Hospital and served as a member of the Board of Directors of the West Virginia Hospital Inc., in Wheeling, W.Va. Paul was a member of the Advisory Board of West Liberty State College, where he was Secretary of the Board of Advisors of the College of Steubenville, and served as a member of the Hancock County Board of Education Citizens Advisory Committee.
Paul was a member of the Weirton and Steubenville Chambers' of Commerce, and also served as the First District Vice President, a director and member of the Executive Committee of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pearl, who resides in Weirton. They enjoyed countless trips and cruises worldwide during his retirement. Their son, Paul Mitchell resides in Calif. with his wife, Beverly and daughter, Claudia Lynne who lives in Weirton with her husband, Joseph Janeshek.
Paul and Pearl have five grandchildren, Jessie Janeshek, a PHD student at the University of Tennessee, Jennifer "Maggie" Woodland who teaches in Baltimore, Md., Paul C."Lish" Harris, a PHD student at Florida State University, Sarah Hansen who is a Lawyer in Vancouver, B.C., and Aaron Hansen, a student in Calgary, Alberta.
It was Paul's wish to have a private funeral service for family only, and he was entombed in Highland Hills Memorial Gardens in Follansbee, W.Va.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any remembrance be a Contribution to the Weirton Christian Center, 3012 Elm St. Weirton WV, 26062.
Paul will be dearly missed by his family and the community.
Condolences may be sent to:www.chambersandjames.com
