Kenneth Leland Harmon
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Funeral services for Kenneth Leland Harmon, 80, Lawrence will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. He died Saturday, January 18, 2014 at his home.
Kenneth was born March 20, 1933 Chetopa, KS the son of Elwin Roy Harmon Sr. and Hazel Marie Heath Harmon
He graduated Chetopa School System and served his country in the Veteran Korean War.
He married Helen Schwartz Parsons in Chetopa, KS on April 2, 1955. She died June 26, 1991. He married Bertha M. “Berta” Wright on December 31, 2000.
He worked with the Lawrence Police Department from 1958 to 1983 retiring as Lieutenant with Key to City. After retiring he worked as part time deputy for Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for 5 years. He also worked as Municipal County Security for 3 years City of Lawrence.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #2, Kansas Peace Officers Association, American Legion Post 14, Acacia Lodge A.F. & A.M. #9, Scottish Rite Bodies and DeMolay Legion of Honor.
He is survived by his wife, Berta of the home; two step daughters Cheri Wright and Suzi Wright; his loving sister, Marilyn Sue Headley and her husband, Harry of Chetopa, KS; a nephew, Gary Headley Chetopa, KS; Dee Parson, widow of step son Raymond; many loving step nieces and nephews and his dog & loving companion Happy. He was preceded in death by a step son Raymond Parsons Lawrence, KS; his brother Elwin R. Harmon Jr. Springfield, MO and nieces Tracy Van Meter & Cindy Reed
The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to LMH Endowment Association and/or the Humane Society or the Old Unwed Policeman and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
Are deepest sympathy for the loss of Ken. What a wonderful person and he will be missed. Ken is in peace and in Gods hands!
Kenny Harmon was a dear friend and mentor during the years I served with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department (1977-1985). I remember his absolute kindness, amazing sense of humor, love of history; especially that of the Civil War, and his willingness to help others to the extent that Kenny was a role model of what an American gentleman should be. His loss is sad, but it brings with it a flood of wonderful memories and a host of life’s lessons he passed along. My sincere condolences to the family.
I’ve known Ken Harmon since 1974. Ken was my Lieutenant at the Lawrence Police Department for part of my career. Ken was great to work for…always calm and patient. Our lives continued to cross paths over the years and I have always considered him as one of my best friends. By the time Ken spent his last three years working at the Lawrence Municipal Court, I retired from the Lawrence Police Department and stepped into his shoes at the Lawrence Municipal Court.
We spent countless afternoons having coffee at various local establishments. Every afternoon at 3pm, we would meet and solve the problems of the world. I will miss him tremendously. Ken was a wonderful person and a great friend.
My condolences go to Berta who stood by Ken and took wonderful care of him these past few years. Thank you, Berta.
Ken will be dearly missed, though remembered fondly. My heart goes out to you, Berta, and to your family. My shoulder is available if you need to lean on it anytime.
Ken was a great guy. He will be sorely missed at our morning coffee group at HyVee.
Ronnie will have one of his friends by his side now! You two had many good times together! Will always be in our thoughts and prayers.