Arlen Raymond Harres, 88, of Columbia, died Dec. 7, 2023, at Mercy Hospital South, St. Louis. He was born Feb. 9, 1935, in East St. Louis.

He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Columbia. Arlen retired from Spectralite Consortium in Madison.

Surviving are his wife Shirley Ella Harres of Columbia; son Neal Harres; daughter Brenda (Steve) Richter; daughter Rhonda (Dan) Herrmann and son Curt Harres; grandchildren Kelly (Chris) Hancock, Adam Richter, Katie (Shane) O’Brien, Sara (Brian) Tiefenbruck, Eric (Tasha) Richter, Joel (Ariel) Herrmann, Molly Harres and Emery Harres; great-grandchildren Kaelyn and Madden O’Brien,  Benton, Jade and Faye Herrmann and Nolen and Riley Hancock; twin brother Allen (Judy) Harres of Columbia; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother Burton Harres and parents, Richard Edna (nee Fischer) Harres.

Visitation is 3-6 p.m. Dec. 17 at Leesman Funeral Home in Columbia and 10-11 a.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Columbia.

A funeral service will follow at the church with Pastor Jonathan Bangera officiating.

Private Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery, Columbia.  

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: St. Paul United Church of Christ Nativity Fund; or the Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery Fund.