Wilbur "Bill" R. Harmon

Born December 9, 1931 in Pekin to Charles Russell and Cora Elizabeth Anna (Wessell) Harmon, he married Barbara Dolores Davis on July 30, 1954 in Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, John Charles (Carol) Harmon of Canton and Robert Ray Harmon of Pekin; four grandchildren, Amy (Jesse) Norman of Brisbane, Australia, Breahnna (Nick) Gorrie of Pekin, Boyd Russell (Markay) Harmon, serving with the United States Navy in Portsmouth, Virginia and Brady Reed Harmon of Pekin and one great-grandson, Watson Gorrie.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Edward Ray Harmon.

He was a United States Air Force veteran of the Korean War.

Bill worked for Pekin Insurance for 30 years, retiring as Manager of Corporate Operations in 1997. He also worked as a Bailiff at the Tazewell County Courthouse for 20 years.

Bill served on the Pekin Park District Board of Commissioners for more than 20 years. He was a Life member of the Rotary Club of Pekin and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a Past Exalted Ruler of the Pekin Elks Lodge 1271. He was also a longtime member of Pekin Civic Chorus and sang in numerous “Showtime” productions over the years.

Bill was devoted and loved being with his family. He enjoyed playing basketball most of his life and even played basketball in the Air Force under his coach, George Steinbrenner.

He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin, where he was a member of the choir and served on various committees of the church.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at First United Methodist Church in Pekin. Pastor James C. McClarey and Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, and also from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Military rites will be accorded at the church by the United States Air Force and the Tazewell Military Rites Team. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com