Vernon "Rick" Harris

Vernon R. “Rick” Harris, 76, of Independence, Kentucky, formerly of Burlington, Kentucky, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025, at Hospice of St. Elizabeth, Edgewood, Kentucky. 

Rick was born September 15, 1948, in Covington, Kentucky to the late Vernon Silas and Pauline (Robinson) Harris. He was a retired Instructor of Diesel Mechanics at Gateway Community and Technical College. Rick began his career as a Diesel Mechanic and after graduating with his Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Kentucky University, he began his teaching career at the former Northern Kentucky State Vocational School before evolving into Gateway Community and Technical College. He was a member of Burlington Baptist Church. 

Rick's passion was Bluegrass music. He was an accomplished musician who played nearly all the string instruments he possibly could, along with the piano and many more instruments. He was also a Volkswagen enthusiast and enjoyed riding his Goldwing Motorcycle and camping. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Pauline Harris; sister, Debbie Jean Harris; and brothers, Eddie Lee Harris and Stephen Lonnie Harris. 

Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Frances (Hale) Harris; daughters, Amy Christine (Dean) Cole and Angela Ellen (Michael) Schawe; son, Richard Paul (Tammy) Harris; brother, Ronald William Harris; eight grandchildren, Sara (Kane) Harris, Noah (Mieko) Harris, Nicholas (Ryanne) Cole, Lillie Cole, Collin Schawe, Jonah Harris, Mikayla Schawe, and Connor Schawe; and a great grandson, Asher Harris. 

Visitation begins at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Kento-Boo Baptist Church, Florence and continues till 1:00 pm. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 pm at the church. Interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Erlanger, Kentucky. Middendorf-Bullock Funeral Home, Erlanger, is serving the family. 

Memorial contributions, if desired, are suggested to the donor’s choice of Burlington Baptist Church, 3031 Washington Street, Burlington, KY 41005 or Kento-Boo Baptist Church, 634 Kentaboo Avenue, Florence, KY 41042.