Ray Harmon

(From Parker Mortuary)

Ollie Ray Harmon, "Popie", age 82, Joplin, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Mercy Hospital of Joplin.

Ray was born January 22, 1932 in Joplin, son of the late Ollie Harmon and Katherine Lea Harmon. He was a caddie at Oak Hill Golf and Country Club (now Twin Hills County Club) as a youth, and then during World War II he worked for the Apple Grower's Association in Parkdale, Oregon until the age of 18. He later worked for Boeing Aircraft until he was drafted into the Army in April of 1952 where he served in Korea and Japan before being discharged in 1954.

He returned to Joplin and worked for Vickers from 1955 until 1962, and then Scheurich Construction, Rocketdyne, Continental Motors, and finally Teledyne in Neosho where he retired in 1992.

He was a member of the United Auto Workers Local # 1070, the V.F.W. Post 534, and Iron Gates Christian Church.

He married Rosetta Woods in 1952, and they had five children, she preceded him in death on August 23, 1995. He was also preceded in death by sisters, Ada Mauller and Bonnie Blagg, a brother, Ronnie Harmon.

He married Georgia Crawford in 1996, and they spent the last 18 years by each other's side enjoying being with family. Ray enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing golf, but his real love was spending time with his family. They meant everything to him, and he to them. The world was a better place with him in it, and his presence will be missed terribly by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Georgia; his children, Randy Harmon and wife Brenda of Neosho, Rodney Harmon and wife Connie of Joplin, Rowland Harmon and wife Debby also of Joplin, Ryan Harmon and wife Janelle of Everett, Washington, and Gina Harmon Solis and husband Bill of Kirkland, Washington; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Darrell Harmon of Baxter Springs, Kansas; sister, Annalee Hildreth of Carl Junction, Missouri; numerous nieces and nephews.

At Ray's request, there will be no formal service, but the family will receive friends at Iron Gates Christian Church, 2311 Iron Gates Road on Thursday, May 1, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Inurnment of his ashes will occur at a later date in Osborne Memorial Cemetery.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society care of Parker Mortuary.