Dr. Thomas M. Harmon

Tom was born on December 20, 1939 in Wayland, Kentucky to Francis and Virginia (Copley) Harmon. He married Patti Sergesketter on January 16, 1993 at Lincoln Boyhood Chapel in Lincoln City, IN.

Tom graduated from Prestonsburg High School and University of Kentucky, and received his medical degree from the UK School of Medicine. From there, he joined the Army where he completed his residency in radiology in El Paso, TX, San Francisco, CA, and Fort Knox, KY.

In 1972, Tom joined the Radiology Group at St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville, where he was an interventional radiologist. Then in 1994, he established St. Mary’s Breast Center and was a pioneer in breast cancer detection, bringing the first stereotactic breast biopsy to the tri-state area. Tom retired from practice in 1999, to enjoy other interests.

Tom was an avid hunter, whether it was goose hunting in Canada or caribou in Alaska. He also loved to fish and often talked about fishing with his Granddad and Dad when he was a young boy. The fishing continued for many more years at Lake Barkley, where Tom and his brother Frank had a lakehouse. Besides hunting and fishing, Tom loved to work in his greenhouse, growing flowers and vegetables for his garden. He shared many of his flowers with family and friends, and canned his tomatoes and Kentucky White Half Runner greenbeans. Tom liked to read just about any book, but especially factual history. He was a loyal UK fan, often preferring to listen to the game on the radio in his greenhouse. And Tom loved his Bourbon, and relished in letting people know there is only one bourbon, and that is Kentucky Bourbon. Tom and Patti enjoyed camping and traveling, and visited many countries. Their favorite trips included a photo safari in Africa, a river cruise in Russia, driving through Croatia, and camping in Alaska. One of Tom and Patti’s more memorable adventures was climbing the Grand Teton Mountain in 1994, (elev. 13,775 ft.).

In 2014, Tom received his lifesaving LVAD, but he never let that slow him down. He continued doing all the things he loved to do. He often said he didn’t get the LVAD to just sit in a chair. He never complained about it, just went on with his life. Tom was a great listener. He deliberated over things before giving out a response. He was a mentor to many, and we all know his favorite advice, “This too shall pass”.

Tom is survived by his wife of 31 years, Patti; his brother, Frank (Jean Ann) Harmon of Bowling Green, KY; daughters, Leigh Ann (Randy) Johnson of Cape Coral, FL, Lori (Mark) Shockley and Amy Harmon, of Evansville; and his son-in-law, Dr. Okan Suzer, of Owensboro, KY. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Emily and Lilly Shockley, Kaya Suzer, Breanna Johnson, and Noah Lipe, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shirley Howell; and daughter, Cathy Suzer.

There will be a celebration of Tom’s life on June 15th, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Harmon residence. Bring a memory or story of Tom to share with his family and friends.

In memory of Tom, contributions can be made to Vanderburgh Humane Society, Sts. Mary and John Food Pantry on Cherry Street in Evansville, or to a favorite charity.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com