William Thomas “W.T.” Harmon passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, May 16, 2023, at Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, Indiana. He was 83 years old.
Tom was born Oct. 2, 1939, at Indianapolis, and was the son of William Henry (Bill) Harmon and Florence Esta Allen Harmon.
He grew up in New Ross and began working young and learned many life lessons helping his wonderful dad with their family milk hauling business. He attended New Ross High School, played guard on the basketball team that went to semi-state finals in 1957 and graduated as the valedictorian in 1958.
He graduated from Butler University in 1963 and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He accepted his first job at Ford Motor Company in Indianapolis and then married his high school sweetheart, Mary Beth, on June 22, 1963.
In 1966, he moved to Crawfordsville, and joined the family business at New Ross Lumber Company in New Ross. A decade later, he helped move New Ross Lumber to Crawfordsville and became co-owner of Town & Country Homecenter. He loved developing the business and serving the local community for more than 40 years.
He was an Indiana National Guard veteran. He served as director on the board of directors for Lincoln Federal Bank (First Merchants) for more than 25 years, was a board member of the Old Jail Museum and a member of University Club and Kiwanis Club.
He was a devoted husband and dad, proud grandpa, dear cousin, loyal friend and neighbor, and ultimately, dedicated steward and caregiver to his wife, Mary Beth. They were married for 60 years. He enjoyed working, travel with friends, carpentry, summer vacations at Chautauqua, the Lake, and time spent there boating and being with family and friends. He was a connector and helper, humble and patriotic, and a true servant leader. His purpose and enthusiasm for life will always be remembered.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth (Whitecotton) Harmon and children, Barbara (Shawn) Lapean and their children, Michael, Jack, Elizabeth and Connor; Bill (Gina) Harmon and their children, William (Kristen) and Thomas (Maddy); and Susan Jeffery and her children, Nick and Nate; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 21 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, followed by a celebration of life reception at the church. A private burial will take place at the New Ross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Montgomery County Community Foundation, c/o The Thomas & Mary Beth Harmon Fund, 119 E,. Main St., P.O. Box 334, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.
Hunt & Son Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.huntandson.com.
