Gerald (Jeb) Frank Harris, 77 , of Defiance, died peacefully on Monday, November 28, 2016 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.  
  
He was born on March 23, 1939 to Coe and Estella (Frank) Harris. He married Rosalie (Cameron) Harris on July 21, 1962, and they were blessed with seven children.

Jeb's father believed in the importance of serving the country, prompting Jeb to join the United States Army in 1962. After enlisting, he proudly served in Korea before returning stateside. When his military service was up, he took a job at Dinner Bell Foods, a post he would hold for over 30 years. Eventually, Jeb retired from the Jewell Grain Elevator in 2004. Jeb was an accomplished athlete in many sports, especially basketball. His talent on the court prompted his induction into the Defiance High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Defiance Merchants Semi-Pro baseball team. Jeb was not only a gifted athlete, but also a lifetime member of many clubs and organizations in the Defiance area. Those clubs include the Defiance Eagles, New Bavaria VFW Post #8847, the Tinora Athletic Boosters, and the Jewell American Legion Post #635. 

Jeb's love and talent for sports were passed onto his children and grandchildren after him. Once his playing days were over, Jeb took great joy in watching as many of his family's games as he could. He was also a devoted fan of the Cleveland Indians and Ohio State Buckeyes. Those who knew Jeb know that he rarely missed an Indians game, watching each and every inning from his famous chair. Jeb had other hobbies other than sports, hunting and fishing among them. He enjoyed showing his children and grandchildren how to hunt a deer or bait a hook, something they will pass onto their families after him. Jeb's love and dedication to his family are perhaps his greatest traits. That love and dedication served as an example to all of his children, something that they inherited and passed onto their children after him. Jeb's impact on his family and those around him will never be forgotten. 
  
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 54 years, 7 children; Lisa (Cliff) Gilbert, Lori (Jeff) Logan, Jeff (Julie) Harris, Julie (Reid) Smith, Jim (Joanie) Harris, Jenny (Matt) Maginn, and Erin (Brandon) Sweet, 13 grandchildren; Nathan, Aaron, Dan, Cameron, Taylor, Tyler, Chase, Sarah, Luke, Porter, Shane, Brady, and Evan, one step-grandchild Kyle, two great-grandchildren, Jaxson and Makenna, and brother Kenneth (Elaine) Harris.
  
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a grandson, Cory Harris. 
  
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 2, 2016 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with Father John Stites officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Memory Gardens in Defiance.
  
Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Hospice Center, or The American Diabetes Association. 
Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.