Ronald "Ron" Gale Harmon

Ronald G. Harmon "Ron", age 86, a long-time resident of Hamilton, IL, passed away on Thursday, March 26 at 12:30pm at Blessing Hospital following a brief illness.

He was born February 18, 1934 in Macon, MO to Hortense and Lenius Harmon. Shortly after he was born his family moved to the St.Louis area where he grew up near Forrest Park. Ron often reminisced about going to Cardinal games and watching the St. Louis Browns because children got in free. Ron also often spoke about meeting his future wife, Patty Green in the 2nd grade. He was an only child, but often surrounded himself with friends and cousins. He graduated in 1952 from Soldan Blewett High School.

After graduating, Ron proudly served his country in the United States Army where he learned to climb poles. After serving his country, Ron returned to St. Louis where he and Patty were joined in marriage on July 24, 1958. Ron worked for Boeing following his return from service, but eventually found his way back to climbing poles for Union Electric. Ron and Patty chose to transfer to Hamilton, IL in 1964 where they lived out the remainder of their lives.

Ron and Patty raised four children together and played active roles in their lives. He coached little league, participated in cub scouts, Webelos, and the Jaycee's. Ron retired at age 55 with intentions of spending the rest of his life with his family. Unfortunately, Ron was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patty, on January 6, 1990.

Ron, lovingly known as "Papa", spent the past 30 years as the patriarch of his family and modeled values of wisdom, patience, humility, perseverence, and strength. He encouraged his family in everything they did and was a staple at every athletic event. He encouraged adventure and curiosity by exploring the wilderness and creating unique lunches. He encouraged growth through imagination and the arts.

Ron is a self taught carpenter. He particularly enjoyed playing sports in his early years and passing that knowledge to his children, grandchildren, and their friends. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan and would record games and watch them all year round.

Ron is most publically known for his iconic hand carved wooden cardinals that can be found throughout the Hamilton community. He has carved and painted over 5,000 cardinals and has given away over 4,000 refusing to accept any type of payment.

Ron was preceded in death by both parents, his loving wife, Patty (D.1990), his great-granddaughter Addisyn (D.2002), and his son, Michael (D.2016). He is survived by three children: James Harmon of Hamilton, Robert "Bob" Harmon (Donna) of Warsaw, and Wendy Skarin of Hamilton. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Jenny Harmon of Hamilton, and son-in-law Scott Skarin of Hamilton. He is also survived by his many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.

There will be a private family viewing and service on Sunday, March 29, 2020. A public memorial service to honor Ron's life will be held at a later date. 

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