Donald E. Harness

Donald E. Harness, age 93, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Gentlecare Strategies Nursing Facility in Vincennes, Indiana. He was born January 31, 1933, in Lukin Township, the son of John Harness and Mary Haggard Harness. He married Alice Riggs December 24, 1952 and she preceded him in death April 1, 2006.

Donald was a hardworking and dedicated man who spent many years working as a Supervisor for Marathon Oil Company in Bridgeport, Illinois. He also worked for Bradford Supply Company, where he was respected for his strong work ethic and dependable nature. In addition, Donald owned and operated Stevenson and Harness Rentals with his son-in-law, Keith, a venture that brought him great pride and allowed him to continue doing what he loved. Donald proudly served his country in the United States Army, an experience that remained a meaningful part of his life. Grounded in his faith, he was a member of New Hope Christian Church and was also a member of the Mt. Carmel/Allendale Masonic Lodge.

Donald found great joy in staying busy and enjoyed working outdoors, mowing, driving, and keeping active through work and projects. He loved taking family trips, relaxing around a campfire, reading, and keeping up with current events. Donald also appreciated good food and treasured the simple moments spent with family and friends. Above all, he cherished time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him tremendous pride and happiness throughout his life. Don was fondly known as “Papaw Pete.”

Preceding Donald in death were his parents; wife, Alice; daughter, Tracy L. Harness Stevenson; son-in-law, Todd LaBounty; brother Ray Harness; grandson, Thaddeus Parrott.

Survivors include: children, Marcia (Larry) Pratt of Lester, Alabama; Sally LaBounty of Lawrenceville; son-in-law, Keith (Carolynn) Stevenson of Vincennes, Indiana; siblings, Dale Harness of St. Pete, Illinois, Larry (Mary) Harness of Allendale, Gary (Rita) Harness of Mt. Carmel, Jim (Linda) Harness of Newburgh, Indiana; grandchildren, Tyler (Jessica) Parrott, Anna (Robert) Kim, Jesse LaBounty, Erin Neer, Cheryl (Phil) Connelley; great-grandchildren, Mason (Madi) Parrott, Alice Parrott, Smith Parrott, Lucy Kim, Grace Kim, Alaina Connelley, Derek Connelley.

Funeral services will be Thursday, May 21, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Masonic Rites conducted at 5:45 p.m. Burial will be in the Lawrenceville City Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted at the graveside.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gentlecare Strategies Nursing Facility or New Hope Christian Church.