Kevin E. Harris

Kevin Eugene Harris, 46, Manhattan, Kansas, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital. Kevin is survived by his wife 15 years, Kurstin Apell Harris and son, Henry Eugene Harris; parents, Aubrey and Rosemary Harris; sister, Meredith(Jeff) Morris; mother-in-law Kathy Sue Apell; brothers-in-law Mark (Pam) Apell, and Hobs (Angie) Apell; aunts Margaret Duggar and Olene Harris; nieces, Kayla and Emily; nephews, Hobs, Timothy, Harrison, Michael, Jagger, and Daks. He was preceded in death by father-in-law, Dean Apell. Kevin was born on August 1, 1973, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. As a child, his father was in the military, and he grew up in many places, both in the US and abroad. He graduated from Lansing (KS) High School in 1991 and then Kansas State University, where he studied computer engineering. A well-known fixture in Manhattan’s restaurant community, Kevin worked at several places over the years, including Raoul’s Escondido, Mel’s Tavern, Harry’s and So Long Saloon. He recognized a lifelong dream when he and Kurstin opened their own restaurant, The Chef Cafe, in 2008. He spent countless hours in the kitchen there, making delicious food and touching countless lives along the way. He was a generous spirit, and never hesitated to lend a hand to those in need. Kevin was the absolute best in a crisis—he never hesitated, and knew the next right thing to do. He had the mind of an engineer and could fix just about anything, which came in handy when owning a restaurant and a 100+-year-old home. An avid reader, Kevin was rarely without a bemouth of a spy novel. He loved wearing cozy cardigan sweaters and Birkenstocks. His laugh (more like a giggle) was infectious. He loved a good joke, and he loved to tell a good story. But nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his son and making him laugh. A memorial service will be Friday, February 28, at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 612 Poyntz Ave. and a come-and-go reception at The Chef Cafe, 111 S. 4th St., will immediately follow. Donations made in lieu of flowers can be made to the Kevin E. Harris Memorial Fund for Henry’s education at the Kansas State Bank 1010 Westloop Pl, Manhattan, KS 66502. It will be a family-friendly service and children are encouraged to come.