Edmund F. Harmon 1930-2022

Edmund F. Harmon, age 91, of Peoria, passed away on January 16, 2022, at his residence, 

Edmund was born on the family farm of Monica, IL, on Oct. 15, 1930. His parents were James Leo & Mary Jane "Marie" Noonen Harmon. He considered those early years on the farm as the perfect place to grow up and he treasured the memories made there. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Jim, Jim's wife Bonnie, his brothers Bill and Pat, and his sister Jeanne and her husband John Ferguson. His younger sister, Mary Sheila Harmon Sasso survives although her husband Michael Sasso passed in December 2017. His siblings and his surviving sisters in law, Joyce and Margaret, left him with 22 living nieces and nephews. Nephew Tom Harmon also preceded him.

Also left to grieve are his wife and the mother of his three children, Mary Hayter Harmon of GA, his daughter Cathy Harmon Christian of GA, and his son Ed, wife Cheryl, Harmon of CA, as well as three grandchildren, Niles Clipson, Brandon Harmon and Ryan Harmon.

For 35 years Ed was the sole caregiver 24/7/365 for his youngest son Kevin Harmon after Kevin was paralyzed in an accident after his high school graduation. Kevin passed away Feb. 21, 2021.

Ed had practiced law in the state of Illinois after attending Princeville high school, St. Ambrose College, and the Univ. of Illinois law school. He was honorably discharged after serving in the U.S. Army. He held positions as the Assistant State's Attorney in Rockford, IL, and as City Attorney in Joliet, IL, before entering private practice.

Growing up, Ed was active in sports in high school and in college as well as taking part in many other activities. He had played the saxophone and he read extensively. After he lost an eye, he still maintained an interest in family, sports and community and continued to collect books and read extensively. However, after Kevin's accident, Ed gave up his outside activities to care for Kevin. They then shared interests in family, in the world, in history, and in acquiring knowledge about all things. Ed encouraged Kevin to write two novels, to foster his friendships with friends and family and Kevin became an inspiration to all who met him. They lived as fully as their limitations allowed, and are now reunited in peace forever.