Jerry J. Harmon

Mr. Jerry Harmon, 91, of Oblong, IL, died Tuesday January 30th in his home following several weeks of failing health. Jerry was born July 17th, 1932, to Ezra E. and Caroline (Holler) Harmon. Jerry graduated from Oblong High School in 1950. Three years later Jerry married the love of his life, Barbara (Meese) Harmon on April 26th, 1953. She preceded him in death on May 18th of 2016.
Jerry was known for his strong work ethic and his "can do" attitude. He was co-owner along with his brother Jack Harmon, of Harmon's Drug Store which was passed down to them from their parents, Ezra E. & Caroline Harmon. The store has been in operation for 78 years and continues to operate as a family-owned business.
Jerry was a proud U.S. Army Veteran having served from 1952 through 1954 at Ft. Riley, KS. Jerry was a Master Mason, and a member of the American Legion Post 219. He was Oblong born and bred; but nearly fifty years ago, he heard the "call of the wild" from Hardin County in Southern Illinois. Ever since that time, Jerry's heart was divided between home in Oblong and "Camp" in Hardin County. This all started over deer hunting and "Big Sky Ranch" a 33-acre patch of hilltop in Hardin County where Jerry and his dear friend, Dr Michael Elliott Sr, could often be found mowing, mending fence, tending cattle, painting and all the things they loved to do. Jerry was a man who knew no strangers. In fact, he knew almost as many folks in Hardin County as he knew in Crawford County and made friends galore. On many occasions, Barbara accompanied Jerry to "the cabin" only to discover that she would be his gopher (go for this or go for that). She finally decided just to let him go South and she would go shopping or work at the store. On his way home, he would often stop at Bobe's and pick up his favorite pizza, the Farouk.
Jerry was a proud father and grandfather and enjoyed the time spent with his grandchildren.
Survivors include sons Brad Harmon and Chad (Esther) Harmon, all of Oblong, IL; a brother Jack (Shirley) Harmon, Alhambra, IL; Grandchildren: Tyler (Holly) Harmon, Cole (Natasha) Harmon, L'erin (Adam) Garner, and Alex Harmon. His great grandchildren: Michael Cheek, Logan Richards, Ella Harmon, Ezra Harmon, Sela Harmon, Meiana Garner, and Sage Garner. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Barbara, and a daughter-in-law, Kimberley "Kim" Harmon.
Funeral Services will be conducted Monday February 5th, 2024, at 1:00 PM at First Christian Church in Oblong, with Bro. Dee Wolfe officiating. Visitation will precede funeral services from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow in the Oblong Cemetery, Oblong, IL. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Oblong American Legion Post 219.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the First Christian Church of Oblong or Lincoln Trail College Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the church and at Pulliam Funeral Home in Oblong. Pulliam Funeral Home in Oblong has been entrusted with the services for Mr. Jerry J. Harmon.