Homer L. Harms was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on November 7, 2014, and died on November 16, at the age of 83, at Kidron Bethel Health Care Center.
Homer L. Harms was born on August 26, 1931, the oldest son of Dan and Pearl Voth Harms. A brother Wayne joined the family five years later. Homer grew up on a farm in the Whitewater area and attended the Star Grade School. He attended Grace Hill Mennonite Church with his family and was baptized as a youth and joined the church, later adding an associate membership at Faith Mennonite Church when they could no longer make the long trip out to the country for church.
As a young adult, Homer moved to Newton and began working at Guerdons in the late 50's. It was while working there that he met a young lady working at the Ripley Hotel and began dating her. Homer and Elma Funk were married on April 17, 1959, and have enjoyed 55 years of marriage. In 1960, a son, Marvin was born followed by a daughter, Gwenda in 1964. The family enjoyed traveling and camping together which Homer and Elma continued after the children grew up. He retired from Excell Industries after 29 years and enjoyed a long and productive retirement. One of his earliest memories was learning how to fish and it became a lifelong hobby for him. Homer was also an avid gardener, even gardening in containers after moving to Kidron Apartments, sharing his produce with friends and neighbors. They were members of the Buffalo Sam's Camping Club of McPherson for many years and enjoyed many trips and close friendships through the club. Homer and Elma enjoyed serving as the MCC Sale contact couple for Grace Hill Church. He also was part of a bowling team for many years. Homer enjoyed the many family get-togethers and also going to Bluegrass Festivals.
He is survived by his wife Elma of North Newton, son Marvin and Nancy Harms of rural Newton, daughter Gwenda Harms of New Jersey, sister in law Vivian Harms of Newton, also Elma's family: Eldon and Esther Funk of Hillsboro, LaVerna Schierling of North Newton, Marlin and Sharolyn Funk of Lehigh, six grandchildren: Jana, Laura, Brett and Sara Harms, Joshua Alexander, Justin Mahmud, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, and one brother-in-law, George Schierling.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 19, 2014, at Petersen Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Faith Mennonite Church on Friday, November 21, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. Memorials in memory of Homer Harms may be made out to either Kidron Bethel Village or Faith Mennonite Church.
