Richard Harmon

RICHARD DONALD "DICK" HARMON, age 65, of Batavia, passed away suddenly Saturday, October 16, 2010 at his home. He was born on March 14, 1945, the son of Donald and Catherine (Walsh) Harmon, in LaSalle, IL. Dick grew up in Utica until his family moved to Elburn when he was eight. He graduated from Kaneland High School in 1963. Dick met his future wife, Ruth Evert, in 1967, at a mutual friends birthday party. No one knows whether or not the birthday wishes came true, but Dick’s certainly did when they were united in marriage on June 28, 1969 at St. Gall Catholic Church in Elburn. They began their new life together in an apartment on Shannon St. in Elburn. Two years later they moved to a farmhouse on Keslinger Rd. In 1979 they built a home of their own on Schneider Rd. Leaving their Illinois roots behind, Dick and Ruth moved to Arkansas for four years before settling back to Illinois and settled in Batavia in 1985. No matter where they called home, millions of memories were made that will be treasured for generations. Dick had many vocations throughout his life but they all centered around trucking and agriculture. He farmed with his family for a time, drove truck for a number of companies including his own. He also owned his own Snap-On Tools franchise for four years. Dick was a member of the Teamsters Union for many years. For Dick there was always time for family, friends, and especially laughter. In countless pictures taken over the years, Dick was rarely seen without a smile on his face and he will be remembered for his love of stories, both real and "imagined" shared between friends and family. Road trips with friends to Truck Shows, travelling out west to visit family including m ost recently, a trip to Peoria with Ruth and friends to see one of his favorite groups, Straight No Chaser, were highlights of his life. He left too soon but his spirit lives on through his legacy which will be never be forgotten. He now leaves his loving wife Ruth, Three children:Mike (Laura) Harmon and their children, Donnie and Josh, of Rochelle, IL, Rebecca (RJ) Harmon-Sneller and their son Caden, of Arrowsmith, IL and Robert Harmon of Batavia, IL;His parents, Donald and Catherine Harmon of Plano, IL;Five siblings:Greg (Mandy) Harmon of Batavia, IL, Dennis (Sheila) Harmon of Plano, IL, Marty (Paula) Harmon of St. Charles, IL, Sharon (Denny) Neylon of Crosse Plains, WI and Susan (Andre) Astorga of Houston, TX, Many nieces, nephews, cousins and a family of friends. He is preceded in death by his sister Colleen Rita Harmon. Visitation will be from 12-1:30 p.m. with a memorial service to celebrate his life to follow at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. Private family interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name to benefit his favorite charities including the "Heifer Project", an organization that provides livestock to impoverished areas of the world. Checks may be made to the "Dick Harmon Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 12-1:30 p.m. with a memorial service to celebrate his life to follow at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL.

Private family interment will follow at a later date.