Marsden Abram Harmon

Colonel Marsden Abram Harmon, a devoted husband, father, friend, and soldier passed away on Sunday, February 2nd, at the age of 85, in Fairfax, Virginia. He was an active member of Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church. Marsden was born in Church Point, Louisiana to William Chiles Harmon and Stella Dufilho Lambert Harmon. After having spent part of his childhood with his Uncle Ed and Aunt Ruby Lambert in Los Angeles, he returned to Church Point where he graduated from Kinder High School in 1952. He continued his education at Louisiana State University, graduating in 1956 after which he began a 27-year career as an officer in the US Army. He married Peggy Herndon Murphy on the 2nd of March, 1963. Shortly after his second son was born, he was sent to Vietnam where he served in 1966 and 1967. Marsden's career in the military took him and his family to California, Louisiana, Hawaii, Kansas, Florida, and Japan, but they settled in Virginia in 1975. He also traveled around the world on shorter-term assignments. While he served his country with great pride, Marsden Harmon most cherished his time with his beloved wife and three boys. He enjoyed making waffles before Saturday morning fishing trips with his sons. He was always there to encourage and support them in their sports competitions and band concerts, throw the football around, or watch a ball game. He also enjoyed grilling the best ribs around and playing his harmonica and accordion. He chose to retire from the military when faced with an assignment that would have required his family to move overseas while his sons were in high school. After he retired, he worked part time in various home improvement stores and taught English as a second language as a volunteer. He and Peggy also made a new group of friends through outings to favorite establishments where they dined, socialized, and danced to the music of talented local musicians. Marsden is survived by sons Mark and his wife Margaret, Alan and his wife Suzanne, and Sean; and grandchildren Nicole, Matthew, Nathan, David, Daniel, Devyn, and Briana. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Peggy; sisters Stella Rita Harmon Dohman (Jerry), Mary Evelyn Harmon Larmoyeux (Cyrus), and Edmee Louise Harmon German; and brother, William Chiles Harmon, Jr. (Mary Ellen). Mars will be remembered and missed most for his gentle spirit, kindness, and warmth. Although his career was in the army, he was truly a peacemaker who always wanted everyone to be happy. "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God." Matthew 5:9 The family gives heartfelt thanks to family and friends for their support and love. The funeral service will be on Saturday, February 8, at 2 PM, at Demaine Funeral Home in Fairfax, Virginia. Burial will follow in the Fairfax City Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project. "Grief is the price we pay for love, Leaving memories to treasure, Heartaches shared by ones who care, Plus a lifetime's love and pleasure."