Francis Earl Harmon

Francis Harmon, 101, passed away September 4, 2021 at North River Health Campus in Evansville, IN. Francis was born February 13, 1920 in East Kentucky to the late Frank and Thelma (Meek) Harmon. Francis graduated from Wayland, KY High School and attended the University of Kentucky. In 1938, he married Virginia Copley and they had 3 children. Francis enlisted in the Navy in 1940 and received Electrical Engineering Training while stationed in Norfolk, VA, where he was an Aviation Electrical Maintenance Specialist. After WWII, Francis and Jennie lived in East Kentucky where Francis was General Superintendent of Princess Elkhorn Coal Company in David, KY. In 1965, they relocated to Benton, IL, where Francis was Chief Electrical Engineer for Freeman United Coal Company until his retirement in 1980. Francis was an avid golfer and member of the Benton Country Club for 40 years, making 2 holes-in-one and golfing his age at 83. He and Jennie enjoyed traveling in their motorhome to Florida and other destinations across the country, as well as numerous trips abroad. Francis enjoyed fishing at a young age, fishing with his father and his brother. He and his sons took many fishing trips together. But his favorite fishing place was at Lake Barkley, spending many relaxing times there with family and friends. Francis was also a handy-man and it seemed like there was nothing he couldn’t fix, especially electrical. After Jennie died in 2010, Francis continued living in their home in Benton, IL. He met with his “Liar’s Club” buddies almost every morning, ate out at his favorite restaurant, The Cozy Table, and continued to mow his own grass until age 97. In 2018, Francis moved into Assisted Living at North River Health Campus, where he resided until his death. Francis was asked numerous times to take the Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC. He was always resistant until a pretty young nurse at North River convinced him to go. So, in 2019, at age 99, Francis went to Washington, DC aboard Honor Flight. He enjoyed it so much and he talked about it for months and months. Francis had a great recall of the past and enjoyed telling his family about growing up in the hills of East Kentucky. He also talked of his coal mining days, fishing, and golf. He had a great sense of humor and often embellished his stories in order to get a laugh out of his grandkids. Francis loved reading about history and mechanical marvels. One of his favorite TV programs was “How It’s Made”. He loved McDonald’s cheeseburgers, fried green tomatoes, vanilla ice cream, cookies, and Kit-Kats. Francis was everyone’s favorite centenarian and curmudgeon. Francis was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Jennie; brothers Herman and Richard; daughter Shirley Howell; granddaughters Jennifer (Howell) Pena and Catherine (Harmon) Suzer. Surviving are his sons; Tom (Patti) Harmon of Evansville, IN and Frank (Jean Ann) Harmon of Owensboro, KY; six grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Thank you to the staff at North River for the care and compassion given to Francis. And a special thank you to Dawn, who went out of her way to keep Francis comfortable and happy. Memorial Contributions can be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, 2532 Waterbridge Way, Evansville, IN 47710. Or Honor Flight of Southern Indiana, P.O. Box 8234, Evansville, IN 47716 A celebration of Francis’ life will be held at a future date.