Myril Alfred Harrison

Myril Alfred Harrison passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025 at the age of 87. He was born October 17, 1937 to Alfred and Dorothy Harrison in Ottawa, Kansas. As a result of frequent hunting and fishing trips with his father and older brother, Armand, Myril developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Myril also excelled at woodworking and loved shop classes throughout his high school years… so much so that he attended Ottawa University as a freshman before transferring to Pittsburgh State Teaching College to pursue a degree in education focused on the industrial arts. Myril completed his undergrad and went on to complete his Master’s degree in Education.

Soon after beginning classes in Pittsburgh, Myril met Marilyn Merritt, the love of his life, who also resided in Ottawa, Kansas. He began giving her rides home for weekend visits and their 70 plus years together started when Myril finally asked Marilyn out on a date. Myril and Marilyn were married in Ottawa, Kansas on July 19th, 1959 and they moved to Kansas City for Myril’s first wood shop teaching job. Myril’s passion for teaching woodworking shined and he elevated the school’s program with students receiving numerous awards for furniture they built.

Three years after their marriage, they began to grow the big family they both desired with Christopher, Jennifer, Sarah and Lynn over the next 13 years. After six years in Kansas City, Myril and Marilyn moved to Sioux City, Iowa when Myril accepted a position with the State Department of Education where they met many of their lifelong friends. Just two years later, Myril took a promotion within the department and moved his family to Des Moines. He was the proud general contractor on their home in West Des Moines where they would meet many more lifelong friends and raise their family for years to come.

Myril was active in West Des Moines Kiwanis for many years and took on the role of President twice. He and his fellow Kiwanians spent numerous hours volunteering in the community and one of Myril’s favorites was taking tickets for the Valley High School Football games. Myril was also active in his church at St. Andrews Episcopal and built the baptismal font and pulpit in the sanctuary many years ago.

Myril was an avid hunter of all things wild but mostly just enjoyed spending time with all of his hunting buddies in Iowa, Colorado and Wyoming. Everyone knew Myril as an expert craftsman as he could build just about anything; his family has been the recipient of many pieces of fine furniture over the years. Myril’s other passion was traveling with Marilyn and pulling their 5th wheel and camping in the mountains of Colorado.

Myril is survived by his wife Marilyn, children Christopher (Kristine) Harrison, Jennifer Harrison, Sarah (Stephen) Reynolds, and Lynn (Benjamin) Flach, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, his brother Armand and many, many friends and family members.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 14 at 11 am at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Lunch to follow. 5720 Urbandale Ave Des Moines, IA 50312.

 Donations can be made to West Des Moines Kiwanis in lieu of flowers.

Please share your memories of Myril and condolences with his family by signing the guest book below.