Obituary of Harold E. (Gene) Harms

Harold Eugene “Gene” Harms

Harold “Gene” Harms, 92, passed away at 9 p.m. Sat., May 12, 2018 at Carlinville Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Carlinville, IL.

Harold Eugene Harms was born Dec. 22, 1925 near Atwater IL the son of George E. and Hazel T. (Leach) Harms. He married Dorothy Robinson September 12, 1947, she preceded him on Jan. 12, 2014.

He attended Lake Fork, a one-room country school near Atwater and graduated with the Class of 1943 from Carlinville High School.

He was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army, Co A 517th Parachute Infantry. He was awarded the American Theater, Service Medal, Eame Service Medal, with 1 Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Occupation ribbon (Germany). He served from July 6, 1944-August 7, 1946.

He was a member of Atwater Christian Church since June 16, 1959 where he was Sunday School Superintendent, elder and chairman of the board; Girard School Board member; American Legion Post 115, Girard where he served as commander and adjutant, Macoupin County Commander; V.F.W. Post 3419; Macoupin County Farm Bureau; Local 1027 of the Fiat-Allis Retirees Club. He bowled many years for several teams at Bowlero Lanes.

He was employed at Fiat-Allis in Springfield IL for 31 years, retiring March 31, 1978, as well as farming on the family farm and helping area farmers with crops and animals; owned Harms Saw Sharpening Service from 1978-2011.

He is survived by daughters: Jeanette (Gary) Miller of Springfield,

Karen Bellm of Carlinville and Gail (Richard) Hazelwood of Girard; 8 grandchildren, Kris Miller, Scott (Nancy) Miller, Jennifer (Eric) Branham all of Springfield, Dawn (Shawn) McFarland and Aaron (Deidra) Bellm both of Carlinville, Patricia (Mike) Huff of Fulton, MO, Heather McSmith of Hannibal, MO and Aprille (Mike) Kuhar of Girard; 25 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Harms of Atwater and Gladys Smothers of Palestine, TX and a brother-in-law, Ronald (Pat) Robinson of Greenville, TX; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

His wife, parents, siblings-Robert, Georgean Rudolph, Gerald and Donald; son-in-law, Darrell Bellm and grandson, Kevin McSmith, preceded Gene in death.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carlinville, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 11:00 am at the church with Rev. Cliff Woodman officiating.

Burial will follow in Bethel Ridge Cemetery, rural Atwater, IL.

Memorials are suggested to Girard Fire and Rescue Squad or Girard Township Library.

Davis-Anderson Funeral home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.