Walter Lee “Coach” Harris passed away April 23, 2021, in Crete, at the age of 87. Walt and his loving wife, Edie, had been married nearly 65 years.
They were blessed with three wonderful children, Mike (Joël) Harris, Fort Wayne Indiana, Michelle (Todd) Hildenbrand, Lincoln, and Ron (Carmen) Harris, Marietta, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Erin Collier, Shane Hildenbrand, Kylie Stone, Matt Harris, Blake, Alexis, Jack Harris; and five great-grandchildren. Walt is also survived by his sister, Ella Crossman, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and many nieces and nephews.
Walt had a wonderful teaching, coaching and administrative career that began in Colorado before moving to Crete in 1965. While head basketball coach for Crete, Walt and his teams enjoyed many accomplishments, including 1969 and 1975 Nebraska State Basketball Champions, 1972 Nebraska State Basketball Runner-up, Lincoln Journal Star Basketball Coach of the Year 1969 and coach for the South All-Star team in 1973. Later, as athletic director for Crete, Walt was recognized as one of the Outstanding Nebraska Athletic Directors. In 2013, Walt was inducted to the Crete High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Following retirement in 2001, Walt remained active in the community serving on fundraising boards for Doane and the Crete Area Medical Foundation.
Walt was preceded in death by his infant son, Gregl and brothers, Pat and Arthur.
A funeral service was May 1 followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at the United Church of Christ in Crete. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Crete Public School Trust (Athletic), Crete Area Medical Foundation, UCC (Youth programs). Condolences may be left for the family at www.kunclfh.com.
