NEW SHARON – Thaylen W. Harris, 79, of New Sharon, died early Monday, May 7, at his home.

He was born in New Sharon, March 25, 1928, a son of Noel and Edna (Merchant) Harris and received his education in New Sharon schools, until he entered the U.S. Navy. On Aug. 24, 1950, he married Gladys Webber.

He worked at G.H. Bass in Wilton and Forster Manufacturing for many years, as well as being a woodsman and working on the family farm. A true outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.

He was a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and Boston Celtics and he enjoyed music and dancing. He was a member of Franklin Masonic Lodge 123 of New Sharon.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gladys of New Sharon; his children, David Gary Harris of West Farmington, and his wife, Cheryl Ann, of Mississippi, Dale Owen Harris, and his companion, Debra Daggett, of New Sharon, Dorothy Lorraine Harris of New Sharon, Roger Wayne Harris of New Sharon, Gloria Mae Bor, and her companion, Kent Grant, of New Sharon and Becky Jean Baker, and her husband, Norman, of Anson; a brother, Odin Harris of New Sharon; a sister, Velora Pressey of Farmington Falls; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Burchard, Irwin and Nelson.