Donald Wilbur Harris

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Donald W. Harris announce the passing of their son, Donald Wilbur Harris, aged 33 years. Donald, a born again Christian, and believer in the Lord Jesus Christ now resides with his Lord and Savior in Heaven.

Born in San Jose, California, Donald was the son of Donald Harris and Diane Harris. Donald attended Baymonte Christian School, Scotts Valley Middle school and graduated from Scotts Valley High School.  During high school, Donald participated in three sports: football, basketball, and lacrosse. Donald also obtained the rank of first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Donald attended Oklahoma State University, eventually graduating with an Agriculture Business degree from Fresno State University. Upon graduation, Donald enlisted in the United States Army with a goal of becoming a Special Forces Green Beret. After basic training he was selected to enter a three-year training program to become a Special Forces Medical Sergeant at Fort Bragg. Donald undertook the arduous training program and successfully earned his Green Beret. Donald also learned to read, write, and speak Korean during his Special Forces training. Donald was assigned to 1st Special Forces Group, 1st Battalion in Okinawa, Japan and eventually received a retirement from the Army. After retiring from the military, Donald was hired by Pacific Gas and Electric as a Gas Service Representative.

While growing up he shared wonderful times on family vacations which included trips to visit family in Hawaii. He loved to attend San Francisco 49er and Fresno State football games. Donald spent time snowboarding with family and friends during the winter and time on the beach during the summers. Donald was an avid Oakland A’s fan and loved to hunt and fish with his many friends. Donald was a practical joker, a joy to be around and had an infectious smile. Donald loved to dance and danced his way into the hearts of his family and friends.  Donald touched the lives of others around the world. When word was received that Donald had passed a fellow soldier said, “There is love for Donnie in all corners of the world, including tons of people you may have never met.”

Donald is survived by his father Donald, mother Diane, sisters Kelly, Melinda and Leilani, brother David and brothers-in-law Sean, Ruben and Miguel, Grandmother Rose Harris and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Friday, May 26, 2023, from 10am-12pm at Darling-Fischer 615 No. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA, 408.354.7740. A funeral service will commence at 12pm at Los Gatos Memorial Park, 2255 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd., San Jose, CA, 408.356.4151, with the interment immediately following.  In lieu of flowers please send any donations to The Green Beret Foundation or the San Jose Police Chaplaincy.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.