Arthur C. Harmon

Arthur C. Harmon Lt. Col. USAF (Ret) Age 80, died at his Marin County home on May 10th, 2006. He was born in Topeka, KS, and raised in Los Angeles. He joined the Musician's Union at age 17. But, he also dreamed of flying, and in 1943 he joined the Army Air Corps. He took his pilot training at Tuskegee Army Flying School, graduating as a Tuskegee Airman. He was assigned to the 477th Composite Group, 617th Medium Bombardment Squadron as a pilot. Upon discharge, he attended George Pepperdine College as a music major. In 1953, he married Irene Prince. Recalled to the USAF in 1951, his assignments included Mountain Home AFB, Fairchild AFB, Yokota AB, Hill AFB, Elmendorf AFB, and Langley AFB. He saw duty in the Strategic Air Command, Far Eastern Air Forces, Alaskan Air Command, and the 4500th Air Base Wing, in Major Air Command Aircraft Accident Prevention. He retired as a Major in 1968 and was promoted to Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserve. He settled in Lucas Valley, working for Baldwin Piano and Organ Company as a sales and artists rep and store manager. He also tuned pianos, and joined the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District Non-Marching Band. He was a member of The Retired Officer's Association and the Air Force Association, and was an active member of the William "Bill" Campbell Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Other interests included golf, photography, travel, and computers. He is survived by his children Brett Harmon, Kim Harmon, Claire Harmon-Hones, and Bruce Harmon; grandchildren Ayo Khensu-Ra and Rashida Harmon; and a brother, Broderick Harmon. A celebration of his life will be held on June 14th, 11:00 a.m. at Unity in Marin, 600 Palm Drive, Novato. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: William "Bill" Campbell Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., P.O. Box 8814, Emeryville, CA 94662-0814.