Jan. 22, 1935 – March 1, 2015
Leo Rex Harsh, 80, of Sweet Home died March 1.
He was born Jan. 22, 1935 in Amarillo, Texas to Isaac Leroy and Mildred Bell (Harden) Harsh.
As a child he lived in Texas, California, New Mexico, Missouri, and Colorado, settling in California as a teenager and retiring in Oregon in 1999.
When he was 16 Mr. Harsh began working for Knott’s Berry Farm. In 1957 he joined the United States Army, where he served active duty until 1959 and in the reserve until 1963. He was an expert on rifles. After leaving the Army he once again returned to Knott’s Berry Farm to work, for a total of 17 years. He went on to work for Carl Karcher Enterprises (Carl’s Jr.) at the company commissary for 15 years, then on to FPEC (Food Processing Equipment Co.) until his retirement at age 65.
Mr. Harsh enjoyed golf, fishing and hunting.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Donna Harsh; daughter Heidi and son-in-law Jim Richey of Corona, Calif., son Mel and daughter-in-law Linda Harsh of Anaheim Hills, Calif., and daughter Heather and son-in-law Darrick Martinez of Clayton, Calif.; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Mr. Harsh was preceded in death by his son Russell; parents; and siblings Wanda, Mel, Ike, Pauline and Ruby.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.