Donald Kay Harrison

Donald Kay Harrison passed away in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 93. “D. Kay” is fondly remembered by friends, classmates, and shipmates from the U.S. Naval Academy. He is survived by his three sons, Chris, Greg, and Dennis as well as many grandchildren.

D. Kay was born on November 4, 1929, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He grew up in Compton, California, joining the Navy in 1949 and invited to attend the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in 1953.

D. Kay served proudly in the military as a Lieutenant and fifth senior Officer. He was aboard the USS Helena when the Korean War ended, on two WESTPAC cruises. D. Kay travelled to New York City with the Naval Academy where he met his wife, Helen Harrison and the two married in 1955. They were happily married for over 60 years, and D. Kay would often describe their relationship as “Wonderful. The best thing to ever happen to me.”

D. Kay and Helen moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1963 where D. Kay obtained the role of President of a telephone company and additionally upheld the career as a successful real estate broker. Later, D. Kay became Commander of the Arizona division of the Naval Order of the United States.

D. Kay made many great friends in the military and continued to uphold very meaningful, lifelong relationships with those he met during his adventures at the Academy and through Prince of Peace Lutheran church. He enjoyed woodworking, collecting swords and coins, involvement with the American Hydrogen Association, and home repair. D. Kay found happiness in fixing anything and everything; he took great pleasure in learning new things, especially how things functioned and the history behind artifacts.

D. Kay could not resist sharing stories from his life. His family and friends will miss his frequent recollections of all his greatest achievements and events experienced alone and with his immediate family throughout the years. He spent a great deal of time with his sons and grandchildren, teaching them about the world, his past, and embarking on exciting activities.

While Donald Kay Harrison will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him, we can find peace in knowing that he is now reunited with Helen, the most important thing in his life.

The Memorial Service and Reception will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on December 3rd, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.