Bill Harmon Jr.

William C. Bill Harmon Jr., 87, of Danville passed away on January 30, 2011, peacefully at home after a lengthy illness with Mary Ellen, the love of his life by his side. Bill was born on March 30, 1923 in Church Point, Louisiana son of William C. and Stella D. (Lambert) Harmon Sr. He married Mary Ellen Morrissey on April 27, 1946 at St. Pauls Catholic Church in Danville. She survives along with three sons: Pat (Patti) Harmon of Jackson, MS, Mike Harmon of Danville, IL, and Tom Harmon of Ocean Springs, MS; two daughters: Peggy (Glenn) Johnson, Suzie Harmon both of Danville, IL; brother: Marsden Harmon of Fairfax, VA; sister: Stella Dohman, of Opelousas, La; 14 grandchildren: Patrick (Lisa) Harmon of Brandon, MS, Doug (Toy) Harmon of New Orleans, LA, Andrew Harmon of Hattiesburg, MS, Eric (Stephanie) Harmon of Dallas, TX, David Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Jason Atwood, all of Las Vegas, NV, Sarah (Jeremy) Strawser of Danville, IL, Adrienne Harmon of Naperville, IL, Lauren (Randy Jolley) of Florence, SC, Neal (Melissa) Harmon of Gulfport, MS; Stacia Harvey, of St. Louis, MO, Katie (Trent Defenbaugh) Harvey of Danville, IL, and Eric Ziegler of Danville, IL; and twelve great-grandchildren, with two more arriving this year; and several nieces and nephews., as well as special extended family Bill Hagler, Nancy Harmon and Linda Harmon. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Jack Harmon, daughter Anne Harmon and grandson John David Harmon; and sisters: Evelyn and Edmee. Bill graduated from St. Joseph Seminary and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1942-1948 and was Honorably Discharged as a 1St Lieutenant. He worked at Hyster from 1952-1970 in sales and marketing. In 1971 he founded Voorhees Lumber Mart in Danville; he retired in 1988 after 17 years as president. Bill was a lifelong member of St. Pauls Catholic Church in Danville, Knight of Columbus, American Legion Post #210, Danville Symphony, the Elks Lodge #332, The Danville Boat Club, where he served on the Board of Directors. He also served on the board and was vice president of Danville Area Chamber of Commerce and past president of Illinois Retail Hardware Association. A Catholic Mass will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 5, 2011 at St. Pauls Catholic Church, 1303 N. Walnut St. Danville, IL, with Father Greg Nelson officiating. A Rosary Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. followed by Visitation from 5-7 pm Friday evening at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center, a Life Celebration Home. A private burial service will be done at Danville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make memorials in Bills name to St. Pauls Catholic Church or Schlarman Academy. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com