Forest "Burt" Harrison, 88, of Richmond, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at his home.  He was born on September 9, 1931, one of three of the first set of triplets to be born at Research Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, to Charles "Doc" and Lena Mae (Offutt) of Orrick.  His childhood was spent in Liberty, Missouri.  He continued to keep contact with many of his friends in Liberty throughout his life.

Burt graduated from Liberty High School in 1949.  Burt had a lifelong love of agriculture and livestock.  At 14, he began working at the Kansas City Stockyards, gaining experience with livestock.  From the time he raised his winning calf in FFA, his dream was to start his farming career on the family farm at Orrick.  He and his brother, Bob began a grain and livestock operation under the guidance of his Offutt cousins.  Their first challenge was surviving the 1951 flood.

He married June Stoenner on December 21, 1954, and then joined the US Army, where he was stationed in Hawaii.  Following the signing of the peace treaty, he was able to return home to the farm.

In 1959, the family moved to Richmond and began a farming operation on a farm north of Richmond.  In 1968, the family purchased a farm north of Millville and continued to raise grain and livestock.

Other than farming, travel was his first love.  Burt loved to camp and made sure that there was a three week family vacation between planting and harvest every year.  His love of adventure took the family to all 50 states and his children inherited his wanderlust.

His family joined the Millville and Stet communities and enjoyed their time there for 25 years.  Burt served on the Stet School, Ray Carroll, MFA, and Farm Bureau boards.  He was an active member of the Millville Methodist Church.

In 1993, he retired from farming and became active in the Richmond Presbyterian Church and served, where he was an Elder Emeritus and served in many capacities during those years.  During retirement, he drove for Ray County Transportation and touched many lives.

Burt was very proud of his family and very devoted to them.  He was a social, gregarious guy and had a great sense of humor which made him fun to be around.  He and June celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past December.  Burt was known to be the eternal optimist, never having a bad day or meeting a stranger.

He is survived by his wife, June, his children, Jeffery Harrison of Richmond, Melanie Brock, (Kerwin) of Stet and Amy O'Connor (Patrick, deceased) of Raytown.  He was blessed with six grandchildren, Brian, Aaron, Courtney (Ryan), Cody (Paige), Alec, and Katrina and seven great grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly.  He is preceded in death by his parents; his infant brother, Frederick, his brother, Bob, nephew, Timothy Layman, and son-in-law, Patrick O'Connor.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Organ Fund at the Richmond United Christian Presbyterian Church.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M., on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Richmond.  Inurnment will follow services at the church in South Point Cemetery, Orrick, with full Military Honors.  Ceremonies entrusted to Thurman Funeral Home.  Please remember to share your memories of Burt with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .