Kenneth A. Harm's Obituary
Kenneth 'Tiger' Harm, 83, of Decatur, IL passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 22, 2011. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at St. John's Episcopal Church, with Rev. Richard Swan officiating. A private interment for family only will be held at Graceland Cemetery following the service. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Millikin University, Alumni and Development Office, 1184 W. Main Street, Decatur, IL 62522 or St. John's Episcopal Church, 130 W. Eldorado Street, Decatur, IL 62522.
Kenneth Arthur Harm was born on January 6, 1928 in Chicago, son of the late Harry C. and Ann (Ritter) Harm. He graduated from Gibson City High School in 1946 and attended Millikin University after serving in the U. S. Army during World War II. After his graduation and subsequent marriage to Barbara Ann Banner in 1952, Ken became and remained until his death an active and involved alumnus of both his alma mater and fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE). In 1962, he was awarded the Millikin University Young Alumnus Award for his achievements and loyalty to the university.
After a distinguished 37-year career with Caterpillar, Inc., Ken retired in 1992. At the time of his retirement, he was the Education and Training Manager for the Decatur facility. As a member of the Caterpillar Retiree's Club, he continued to enjoy camaraderie and fellowship with past co-workers and other retired employees.
Ken, a respected civic leader and community volunteer, was affiliated with or held leadership positions in the following organizations: Decatur Zoning Board of Appeals, Decatur Planning Commission, Partners in Education (charter member), Millikin Alumni Association Board, Catholic Charities and Family Services Board, CETA, Service Corp of Retired Executives, Decatur Metro Chamber of Commerce, and Macon County Board of Supervisors. Additionally, he served as a Decatur Township Trustee and on the Board of Trustees for the Sanitary District of Decatur. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, the Decatur Club, the Golden 'K' Kiwanis Club, the Decatur Athletic Club and the Downtown Café Coffee Group. Through good seasons and bad, Ken was a loyal supporter and avid fan of 'Da Bears', the Chicago Cubbies and the Fighting Illini football and basketball teams. He often planned his evening and weekend activities around their game schedules, rarely missing the opportunity to watch or listen to a play-by-play of one of his favorite home teams in action. A self-taught craftsman and woodworker, Ken spent many hours in his workshop, 'Tiger's Den', using his talents to restore or create special keepsake items for family or friends.
Over the years, Ken's passion for travel and adventure led him to many destinations near and far. His numerous trips and excursions are well documented with countless photos and journals. Within the past year, he journeyed to Egypt and traveled down the Nile River, enjoyed a 12-day Panama Canal cruise with his children, and joined other World War II veterans for a memorable day trip to view the awe-inspiring World War II Memorial in Washington, D. C., sponsored by Central Illinois Honor Flight.
Ken is survived by his two children, Margaret 'Margy' (Rick) Moorhead of Fishers, IN and Charles 'Chuck' Harm (Frank Macaluso) of High Bridge, NJ; as well as four grandsons, Matthew, Kenneth, Robert, and Thomas Moorhead and a brother, Wesley M. Harm of Morton, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Barbara 'B.B.' Banner Harm and a brother and sister, Harry W. Harm and Grace Williams.
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