Kenneth A "Butch" Harris

Kenneth A. “Butch” Harris, 83, of Port Huron Township, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

He was born February 19, 1942 in Port Huron to the late Adam and Jennie Harris. He married Mary Langolf on September 7, 1976 and they recently just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.

From the time he was just 17 months old, Butch began riding horses and by the age of 5, he was performing at horse shows in Michigan and across Canada, featured on his horse, Pink. In his many travels and performances, he met legends Roy Rogers, Eddie Dean, Gene Autry and many more. As he grew older, Butch’s love for competition led him to the rodeo circuit where he became a champion. He also became one of the most winning competitors in the Thumb Pulling Association, where he was the only person to win both the light and heavyweight classes two years in a row. The majority of those wins came with his trusted pony, Prince. Butch had patience and an adept way of training and getting the best out of an animal.

Butch graduated from Port Huron High School in 1962. He was employed as an ironworker for Ironworkers Local 25 for many years prior to his retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Jennie (Jason) Gurnsey; grandchildren, Peyton, Drew and Grace Gurnsey; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Kathleen and Don Edie, Karen and Jim Kinert, Jane and Jim Borntrager, and Barbara Lane; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Tom Lane.

Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon on Monday, September 29, 2025 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Deacon Dennis Crimmins will officiate.

Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Port Huron Township. Pallbearers will be Jason, Peyton, Drew, Ronnie, Mark Gurnsey and Paul Eagen.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com