Harry H. Phariss

Harry H. Phariss, 97, Indianapolis, passed away January 26, 2018.  He was born March 5, 1920, in Henryetta, Oklahoma, the son of the late Fred B. and Alivia V. (Holcomb) Phariss.  He married Florence Marie Ruf on July 24, 1945 in Auxerre, France.

Harry attended Oklahoma State University before proudly and honorably serving in the United States Army from 1943 until 1946 in the 13^th Army Airborne Division, 515^th Parachute Infantry Regiment. After leaving the service, he played the bass in The Troubadours dance band, performing all over central Oklahoma for 15 years. In 1985, Harry retired from the United States Postal Service, after 40 years of service.

In 1978, Harry began organizing the 13^th Airborne Division Association, placing ads in newspapers and other publications across the country to reconnect men who served. He volunteered as the association’s president for five years and later was named president emeritus. Harry put out a newsletter, organized conventions, and presented a plaque honoring the 13th Division in the Museum of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. At its peak, the organization had 2,500 members. Harry and Florence attended every convention until the group disbanded in 2007. Harry also wrote a monthly column for the Airborne Static Line Magazine.

In Shawnee, Oklahoma, Harry volunteered as a scout master, founded the community’s youth football program in 1957, and coached football and baseball when his children were young. Later, he was active in the Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, serving as an elder. Throughout his life, he enjoyed big band music, ballroom dancing and was golfing at 90. Travel was another passion, especially to Paris where he met Florence. They held hands wherever they went. Harry also will be forever remembered for saying, “Hubba Hubba” as a greeting, farewell and toast. It dates back to his time as a paratrooper, shouting the phrase as he jumped out of airplanes.

Harry is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Florence Phariss; children: George (Jana), Lu Anne (John) Conley, and Stan (Libby); grandchildren: Kristy and Kirk (George); Steve, Logan and Marie (Lu Anne); Emily, Alison and Bart (Stan); along with 20 great grandchildren. He was preceded in passing by his parents and siblings: Loren Phariss, Leonard Phariss, Ovanell Murphy and Mary Spears.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel, 325 East Carmel Drive.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to any veterans’ organization. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.