Ronald G. Harmon ;, age 86, a long-time resident of Hamilton, IL, passed away on Thursday, March
26 at 12:30pm at Blessing Hospital following a brief illness.
He was born February 18, 1934 in Macon, MO to Hortense and Lenius Harmon. Shortly after he was
born his family moved to the St.Louis area where he grew up near Forrest Park. Ron often reminisced
about going to Cardinal games and watching the St. Louis Browns because children got in free. Ron also
often spoke about meeting his future wife, Patty Green in the 2nd grade. He was an only child, but often
surrounded himself with friends and cousins. He graduated in 1952 from Soldan Blewett High School.
After graduating, Ron proudly served his country in the United States Army where he learned to climb
poles. After serving his country, Ron returned to St. Louis where he and Patty were joined in marriage on
July 24, 1958. Ron worked for Boeing following his return from service, but eventually found his way
back to climbing poles for Union Electric. Ron and Patty chose to transfer to Hamilton, IL in 1964 where
they lived out the remainder of their lives.
Ron and Patty raised four children together and played active roles in their lives. He coached little
league, participated in cub scouts, Webelos, and the Jaycee's. Ron retired at age 55 with intentions of
spending the rest of his life with his family. Unfortunately, Ron was preceded in death by his loving wife,
Patty, on January 6, 1990.
Ron, lovingly known as "Papa", spent the past 30 years as the patriarch of his family and modeled values
of wisdom, patience, humility, perseverence, and strength. He encouraged his family in everything they
did and was a staple at every athletic event. He encouraged adventure and curiosity by exploring the
wilderness and creating unique lunches. He encouraged growth through imagination and the arts.
Ron is a self taught carpenter. He particularly enjoyed playing sports in his early years and passing that
knowledge to his children, grandchildren, and their friends. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball
fan and would record games and watch them all year round.
Ron is most publically known for his iconic hand carved wooden cardinals that can be found throughout
the Hamilton community. He has carved and painted over 5,000 cardinals and has given away over 4,000
refusing to accept any type of payment.
Ron was preceded in death by both parents, his loving wife, Patty (D.1990), his great-granddaughter
Addisyn (D.2002), and his son, Michael (D.2016). He is survived by three children: James Harmon of
Hamilton, Robert "Bob" Harmon (Donna) of Warsaw, and Wendy Skarin of Hamilton. He is survived by
his daughter-in-law Jenny Harmon of Hamilton, and son-in-law Scott Skarin of Hamilton. He is also
survived by his many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.

There will be a private family viewing and service on Sunday, March 29, 2020. A public memorial service
to honor Ron's life will be held at a later date.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.