"Howard was my great uncle, though I only met him a few times. My grandfather was James Harmon, his brother, who died in 1985. I was sad to hear of Uncle Howard's passing. I was lucky to be in town to stop by the funeral home to give my respects. One memory I do have is from the 80's when James had just passed away. Howard had come to visit my grandmother, Wilma Harmon, and my grandfather's dog, Skippy, had heard Howard's voice and thought it was James. I remember how happy Skippy was, and then how confused the dog seemed. I was only about 5 or 6 years old, but that has always stuck out in my head. "
In loving memory of
Howard Harman
February 10, 2010
Howard Harman, 89, of Keokuk, died at 12:05 AM, Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at Keokuk Area Hospital.
He was born on February 15, 1920 in Montrose, Iowa, the son of Mainard and Mary Heiser Harman. He married Alice Kennedy on December 25, 1941, in Kahoka, Missouri, during a terrible blizzard. She survives. They had just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on December 25, 2009. Theirs was a very happy, loving union committed to each other always.
From this union came three daughters, Jo (Bob) Gillman of Bettendorf, Iowa, Sharon (Chris Runyon) Sheffler of Ogallala, Nebraska, and Becky (Mark) Sowers of Warsaw, Illinois; and five grandchildren, Steve (Denise) Burwinkle, Nicole (Chad) Wendler, Daniele (Jon) Vollbracht, Scott (Brianna) Miller, and Joshua (Elizabeth) Miller.
He is also survived by fifteen great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mainard and Mary; a brother, James Harman; two sisters, Fern Bagley and Frances Haase.
He served in the Army Air Corps as a crew chief from 1941 to 1945. He was a former Keokuk Police Officer and served two terms as Chief of Police. He was always admired for his calm attitude and his honesty and fairness. He will be remembered and forever loved for his love and dedication to his wife, children, and grandchildren.
He also had Harman Body Shop for many years. He made sure that each daughter had a car at age 16 after visiting local junk yards and putting a car together. He would say, "It may not look like much but it runs good."
He belonged to the Association of Peace Officers and Chiefs of Police, the Lions Club, Elks Club, and was a life member of the American Legion.
Services were Monday, February 15, 2010 (his 90th birthday) at 10:00 AM at DeJong's Funeral Home with Rev. John Tyler officiating. Burial followed with full Military Honors at Keokuk National Cemetery. He was also honored with a salute and ringing of the bell at the Keokuk Police station.
Memorials may be made to Keokuk Police Department Angel Program or to St. Paul United Church of Christ.
Tributes
"Jim and I will keep you in prayer for your loss Jim and Jean Toole "
"Alice, Joann, Sharon and Becky...I guess I could mimick the sentiments of Nancy McDonnell. I, also, have some of my fondest memories of our time on Plank Road with you guys as our neighbors. My thoughts and prayers are also with you all! Diana (Rose) Miler"
"Becky and Family, so sorry for the loss of your father...Rodney and Jennie Tweedy"
"Becky - I am sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in our prayers. Special prayers go out for your sweet mom. "
"Becky and Family- Sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Lindsay Waller"
"Jo, So sorry to hear of your dad's passing, I know he meant so much to you and your family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Deb Carney"
"Alice, Joann, Sharon and Becky So sad to hear of Howard's passing. I have so many fond memories of growing up on Plank Road and of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Nancy & Kelly McDonnell"