Every Cut Counts { 14 images } Created 30 Sep 2024
Ron Harris, 81, has been a barber in downtown Kennett, Mo. for 62 years, and the owner of Harris Barber Shop for 57 years. He has seen Kennett go through many changes, recalling a past, when on Saturday nights, downtown Kennett was the place to be.
Harris is a father of two, a grandfather of five and a new great-grandfather of one. His wife Clara passed away two and half years ago in 2022 and he now lives alone.
The barber shop can see anywhere from 15 to 25 people a day — sometimes more, sometimes less. “Everyone here is like family,” Harris said. A diverse clientele from all walks of life come in for haircuts, conversation and camaraderie.
Even at 81, Harris still works five days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On his free days, twice a week, he spends much of his time in his wood shop making wood furniture, bowls, duck call whistles or whatever else catches his fancy. It is a hobby he has been doing for decades. When asked when will he retire he replied, “Two days before my funeral.”
For Harris, the shop is a welcome solace to being at home alone.
Harris is a father of two, a grandfather of five and a new great-grandfather of one. His wife Clara passed away two and half years ago in 2022 and he now lives alone.
The barber shop can see anywhere from 15 to 25 people a day — sometimes more, sometimes less. “Everyone here is like family,” Harris said. A diverse clientele from all walks of life come in for haircuts, conversation and camaraderie.
Even at 81, Harris still works five days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On his free days, twice a week, he spends much of his time in his wood shop making wood furniture, bowls, duck call whistles or whatever else catches his fancy. It is a hobby he has been doing for decades. When asked when will he retire he replied, “Two days before my funeral.”
For Harris, the shop is a welcome solace to being at home alone.
