Larry D. Harmon

Larry D. Harmon

After a long fight with cancer, Larry passed away peacefully at his home Monday morning, Dec. 3, 2012, with friends and relatives close at hand. Larry’s family is celebrating his passing privately. There will be no visitation or service.

Larry was born to John and Nettie (nee Nettie Amy Harris) Harmon Dec. 11, 1941, in Muscatine, Iowa. He was educated in the Muscatine public schools and earned degrees from the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

He married Diane Lee Goldsmith on May 3, 1967. Diane and Larry had a son, Anthony, who with his wife, Beverly, resides in Memphis, Tenn. Larry and Diane enjoyed equestrian activities. Larry was very fond of history and politics. He spoke several languages — “at least well enough to get around” — and he loved to travel.

Larry spent his entire career empowering others, when they needed help, while working in administering employment and training programs. He worked for HACAP, the City of Cedar Rapids, Linn County CETA Consortium and Kirkwood Community College. He had a formative impact on the lives and fortunes of many people and he did it with great style and grace. We all benefited from his efforts. He was authentic and he cared. He will be remembered fondly.

Larry was preceded in death by his mother and father, John and Nettie (Jeanette) Harmon; his stepfather, McClellan Gordon; two brothers, John and Ronald; and two sisters, Virginia and Marcella.

He is survived by his son, Anthony (Beverly) Harmon; his brothers, Jack (Joan) Harmon and Gary (Helen); his sisters, Beverly Gonzalez and Vikki (Larry) Cortez, all of Muscatine; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kirkwood Community College Foundation for student scholarships.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 5, 2012.