Joe Paul Harris

Joe Paul Harris, age 75, of Goldsby, Oklahoma, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023. He was born on January 8, 1948, in Wewoka, Oklahoma, the third of five boys, to Olton Hoyt and Frankie Jeanne (Woods) Harris. Joe graduated from High School in Perrin, Texas, in 1966, and he graduated from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, in 1971, with a B.S. in Environmental Science and B.S. in Industrial Arts.

Joe met his wife, Judy Ashlock, while at East Central, and they were married in 1972. They had two sons, Micah Paul Harris and Travis Marshall Harris

Joe wore many hats over the years which included Student Activities Director at East Central State University, General Manager of The Harris Construction Company, Director and Assistant Director of various divisions within the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, and Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs with the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives. In 1989, Joe became General Manager/CEO of Kay Electric Cooperative in Blackwell and retired in 2014. Through the years, he served on many Boards, statewide and nationally, with the Electric Cooperative Associations. After retirement from Kay Electric, he became temporary Manager/CEO at Choctaw Electric Cooperative in Hugo, Oklahoma, for two years.

Joe was an enthusiastic member of many community activities and organizations, such as the city commission for Town of Hall Park, where he was Mayor. In Blackwell, he was involved with the Chamber of Commerce, Kaw Lake Association, longtime President of the Will Rogers Council of Boy Scouts of America, Blackwell Quarterback Club, Blackwell School Foundation, Rotary Club and served as Chairman of the Blackwell-Tonkawa Airport Trust Authority.

Among many awards, Joe was recognized for his service as a Commissioner for the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, a position appointed by the Governor. He was proudest of his induction into the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Hall of Fame in 2014.

Those who knew Joe knew of his enthusiasm for all things aeronautical. Joe's love of airplanes and flying was his lifetime hobby to the end, wheeling and dealing across the country for airplanes and parts to build and restore antique airplanes

Joe is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy, of the home; son, Micah of Washington, Oklahoma; grandson, Sage Harris, and granddaughters, Cadence and Trinity Harris of Norman, Oklahoma; brothers, Olton Harris of Midlothian, Texas; Buck Harris (Rita) of Edmond, Oklahoma; Zack Harris (Luann) of Purcell, Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Travis; and his brother, George.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook St, Norman, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Goldsby Church, 153 West Center Rd, Goldsby, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Oakwood Cemetery, Wewoka, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America at www.scouting.org or Young Eagles at www.eaa.org to support youth aviation camps.

Online condolences may be shared at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com.