Thomas E. Harbourn

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- Thomas E. Harbourn, 90, of Hannibal died at 6:56 p.m. Tuesday (May 10, 2011).

Mr. Harbourn was born Aug. 4, 1920, in Ilasco to Asa and Florence Haynes Harbourn. He married Margaret Rache on June 20, 1941. She died Jan. 6, 1970. He later married Ruby Eva Lee Malone on Aug. 10, 1973. She died Oct. 13, 1999.

Mr. Harbourn was president of the Ilasco graduating class of 1939 and loved the people and community in which he was raised. He started his career in 1941 with Universal Atlas Cement Company as a flame cutter. He received his industrial education certificate for advanced blueprint reading in 1951, certificates in excellence for advanced welding in 1965 and professional welding in 1969 and retired in 1978.

Mr. Harbourn was honored to have served his country in the U. S. Navy as a seaman first class from 1941 through 1944 on the USS Cottle under the command of Capt. P.S. Creasor. His U.S. Navy career continued from 1944 through 1950 ,at which time he received his honorable discharge as engineman third class.

Thomas was a member of Hannibal First Church of the Nazarene. He was also a member of American Legion Post 55 as well as lifetime member of the VFW.

Survivors include five children, who were blessed to call Thomas "Dad," Beverly Hudmand of Scottsdale, Ariz., C.T. Harbourn (Bobbi) of Quincy, Ill., Wayne Harbourn (Cheryl) of Hannibal, Paul Harbourn (Cathy) of Quincy, and Paula Harbourn Campbell (Mike) of New London; one brother, Orlie Harbourn (Margaret) of Hannibal; two sisters, Asael Dyrden of Hannibal and Nancy Garner of Quincy; and one sister-in-law, Senta Harbourn (Fred) of Pekin, Ill.

Mr. Harbourn was "Grandpa," "Poppy" or "Great" to 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and one son, Dale Harbourn.

A favorite scripture of Dad's was Psalm 32:1-2, "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sins the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit."

SERVICES: 10 a.m. Friday in the James O'Donnell Funeral Home, Hannibal, with the Rev. Mark Burkey conducting. Burial, with full military rites by Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post 55, will be in Mount Olivette Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Tom Harbourn, Billy Harbourn, Donnie Dryden, Buddy Harbourn, Frank Garner and Darin Armour. Honorary pallbearers will be co-workers at Universal Atlas Cement Company.

VISITATION: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.

MEMORIALS: First Church of the Nazarene or Ilasco Memorial Society.

ARRANGEMENTS: James O'Donnell Funeral Home, Hannibal.

WEBSITE: www.jamesodonnellfuneral.com.