Harley Lee Ham, 87, of Indianapolis, passed away on December 25, 2025. He was born on September 3, 1938, in Linton, IN to the late Medford and Marie (Brown) Ham. Harley graduated from Linton High School in 1956, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University. He worked as a civilian computer engineer for Naval Avionics Center for over 35 years. After retirement, Harley became a bus driver for Lawrence Township schools. He has been an active member of Lawrence United Methodist Church since 1962.
Harley loved to sing. At Purdue he was a member of the Purdue Glee Club. He sang tenor in the church choir and was invited to sing at many weddings and funerals. Harley had a great sense of humor and loved watching his westerns, classic TV shows and live sporting events (Purdue, the Colts, Pacers & Fever).
Harley and his wife, Anita, lived in the same home in Oaklandon for 50+ years, raising their 3 kids. He passed down to his children (& beyond) his passion for flyfishing and an appreciation for the great outdoors. Harley and Anita loved to camp, hike and enjoy a cup of coffee and a chocolate donut on their back porch. Harley made it a point to always attend his kids’ (and grandkids’) activities, even in Colorado.
He is preceded in death by his parents, mentioned above; and brother-in-law, Robert Hunter.
Harley is survived by his wife of 67 years, Anita (Smith) Ham; children, Doug Ham (Laura), Michelle Wright (Scott) and David Ham (Melissa); grandkids, Madeline Uhl (Eric), Maxwell Wright (Malorie), Zane Wright (Camryn), Meredith Nelson (Nathan), Ted Wright (Bekah), Michaela Ham, Nathanael Wright, Buck Wright, Sylas Ham and Weston Ham; 5 great grandkids; and sister, Adrianne Hunter.
There will be a Celebration of Life at 12:00 pm ET on Friday, January 2nd, 2026, at Lawrence United Methodist Church, 5200 N. Shadeland Avenue, with a gathering time starting at 10:00 am-12:00 pm ET. Cremation arrangements provided by Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services – Lawrence. Flowers and memorial contributions to Lawrence United Methodist Church are all welcome.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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