Paul Harris

Paul R. Harris, 94, passed away peacefully at Brookdale Memory Center on October 18, 2026.

Paul was born on October 25, 1931, in Bloomington, Illinois. He was the son of Wilbur and Edna Johnson.

Paul was married to Regina M. Schilling on February 7, 1953, in Topeka, Kansas. Regina preceded Paul in death on July 7, 2020, during COVID, along with his brother, Don, and a great-grandson, Cashiuss Becker.

Survivors include son Randy D. (Lori), son Darrell L., granddaughter Ashley Harris-Becker, three great-grandchildren, Noah Bailey (Topeka), Legend and Legacy Becker (Arizona), and many nieces and nephews.

Paul served as a proud member of the United States Air Force in 1952 and finished his active-duty service as a Staff Sergeant in 1955.

Paul and his stepfather, Wilbur, opened and operated an auto body shop in Torrance, California.

Paul and Regina moved back to Topeka in 1964 to raise their two sons. He continued his career in the auto body business as a manager at Moorman Buick from 1964–1975. After leaving Buick, he moved next door to work at Dale Sharp Pontiac/Cadillac until his retirement in 1993.

Paul enjoyed watching most all sports and participating as well. Paul was a league bowler in California. After moving back to Topeka, Paul and Regina bowled together in a couple's league for several years at Gage Bowl.

Paul was also an avid golfer and took great pride in playing golf with his sons. Many rounds of golf were enjoyed as father and sons. In tournament play, they were known as The Harris, Harris, Harris and Howard foursome. They won several golf tournaments throughout the years.

Paul also loved meeting with his friends at Gage Bowl and Perkins for coffee. Most were the guys from the golf course and some of his co-workers from Dale Sharp.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family has honored Paul's wishes and will have a private military service. Paul and Regina will be laid to rest together in the Veterans section at Mount Hope Cemetery.