Dwight E. Harris

Dwight E. Harris, a cherished member of the Preble County community and a devoted farmer, passed away at the age of 65 on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Reid Health in Richmond, IN. He was born in Oxford, OH on October 5, 1959 to the late Robert S. and Louise A. (Pilgrim) Harris. Dwight embraced a life rooted in agriculture, beginning his journey on his family's farm. He gained invaluable experience during his childhood, often following his father around the farm, which laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for farming.

A proud and dedicated farmer, Dwight began working the family farm at the tender age of 15, a testament to his unwavering commitment to agriculture. He made remarkable strides early on, plowing solo with a D17 tractor and tree bottom plow at the age of eleven. In his adulthood, Dwight proudly worked for Brubaker Grain for 6 years. The family farm, which has been in their possession since 1959, held a special place in Dwight's heart throughout his life. 

In addition to his farming endeavors, Dwight was an avid competitor in tractor pulling, a hobby he embraced from the age of 18. His enthusiasm for this sport was marked by participation with both Farmall and Massey Harris tractors, and he was a proud member of the DCTPC Tractor Pulling Club since 1983.

Dwight's contributions extended beyond farming and tractor pulling; he was a dedicated leader in the 4-H community. Joining 4-H at the age of eleven, he showcased his talents by exhibiting hogs and cattle for many years, as well as presenting poster projects through the Jackson Young Farmers. As an adult, he remained actively involved, serving as a leader for the 4-H Club of Jackson Township for over two decades. His dedication to youth was evident in his roles as chairman of both the sale committee and weight committee, where he found immense joy in helping young people discover their potential.

Dwight Harris leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and service to his community—traits that will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed by his friends and fellow community members who admired his commitment to the land and its future generations. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Duane Harris; brother-in-law Jamie Smith; and father-in-law James Wood. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Tina Smith Harris whom he married on July 2, 2005; sons Steven (Nichole) Morgerson of Camden and Jared Morgerson of Eaton; grandchildren Skyler Morgerson and Zoe Morgerson both of Camden; God-daughter Melissa Kinney of Indiana; mother-in-law Phyllis Wood of Eaton; brother-in-law Rodney (Heather) Smith of Camden and their children Caleb (Kassidey), Gavin and David and Deron Smith of Camden and his daughter Emma. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Gard Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 226 W. Main St., Eaton, OH. Funeral service will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Fairhaven Community Church, 6585 Israel Somers Road, Camden, OH with Pastor Richard Studebaker officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery in Camden, OH. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Preble County Council on Aging. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.