Loran Thomas Harmon

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Loran Harmon Obituary

UntitledLORAN THOMAS HARMON
1929-2008

Born in Alford, Florida to Sely and Addie Harmon, Loran passed away January 28, 2008 in Pensacola.
He was a graduate of Vernon High School and a veteran of the United States Air Force. He earned his B.S. in Business from Florida State University and his M.A. in Philosophy from Louisiana State University. He taught at Northeast Louisiana State University where he was voted "favorite professor", Pensacola Private School of Liberal Arts, and Pensacola Junior College.
Loran was also a student of the work of Alan Lomax and Woody Guthrie, American folklorists. This led him to the art of building mountain dulcimers. He spread his enthusiasm for dulcimers and American folk music throughout the Southeast.
Loran is survived by his wife, Sharon; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Julie; and beloved granddaughter, Addison Skilar Harmon. He is also survived by his sisters; Mary Abbott (Frank) of Pensacola, Hazel Shores of Chipley; and brother, Sherman Harmon of Orange, Texas. Also surviving are numerous nephews and nieces.
TRAHAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, February 1, 2008 at 3:00 pm at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart with Monsignor Michael Reed as celebrant.
Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Baptist Hospital and Covenant Hospice for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant hospice, 5041 North 12th Avenue or to the Building Fund of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1212 E. Moreno Street.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Pensacola News Journal on Jan. 31, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Loran Harmon

8 Entries

Julius "Eddie" Daniels

February 23, 2008

I had him for a world history class at Liberal Arts in 1974. I remember him well. Kinda hip. He commented one day about his stopping smoking. I said hell, if he can do it I can. Thanks Mr. Harmon for helping me stop a bad habit that could have harmed me.

Peggy

February 5, 2008

A brilliant mind. A unique person who will be missed. A true educator.

Elizabeth Harper Holsberry

February 2, 2008

Loran and I taught together at Liberal Arts and became friends who shared common ideas and love of teaching. He was one of the most interesting people I knew, and I loved our encounters over the years as he always had unique experiences to relate. I lost track of him, but reconnected with Sharon several years ago and was able to keep up with his illness, a real tragedy. He was special to many, many people for a variety of reasons, and he will be greatly missed.

Richard Buchanan

January 31, 2008

Mr.Harmon was my most influential teacher in high school. I will never forget him. He stimulated my interest in folk music, history, philosophy, and many other things. I learned about dulcimers from him, and eventually made one myself. I also have good memories of his wife Sharon, who was one of my history teachers in high school. I am saddened to hear of his passing.

Sue Broom

January 31, 2008

Loran was my beloved Uncle who brought dreams to a young girl in rural Washington County. He always came with gifts, unusual foods or tales of eating unusual foods. In that era, children from Vernon did not know what gumbo and dirty rice tasted like. And, we could only imagine what Mardi Gras was like after hearing one of his lenghty but so interesting descriptions.

When we were young he took me and my two sisters to Atlanta. He carried us to Stone Mountain, Varsity Grill at Georgia Tech, Mammy's Kitchen, Fox Theater and last but not least he took us to Rich's Department Store and bought each of us a new dress.

I will never forget his laugh, his hugs, and the way he took my head with both hands and kissed the top of my head.

I could go on and on. I loved him dearly and always knew he loved me.

Lorri Harmon Robinson

January 31, 2008

He was my Beloved Uncle, the one I loved best in the world, and sometimes when I was mad at my father (his youngest brother) for something trivial I wished Uncle Loran was my Daddy because *he* would have understood (Daddy and I clashed a lot when I was a teenager because we are so much alike).

I always loved him, and his influence shaped my world view for the better. He taught me that there IS no box to think outside of, unless you let someone else put you in a box. The wings my mind has, Uncle Loran put there.

Duncan McDavid

January 31, 2008

Mr. Harmon was also my teacher at Pensacola School of Liberal Arts in the early 1970's.

He motivated me to study current events while in school, and my grades improved under his leadership.

He was a chaperone on my high school senior trip to Nassau in 1973, but rather than dictate to us during the cruise he became one of us: allowing us freedom, bailing us out when we got into trouble, joining in on the fun, being an all around wonderful person and friend.

I'm saddened by his passing but am happy he touched my life all those years ago.

Jayne Earle (Drexler)

January 31, 2008

I had a class with Mr. Harmon in the 70's. I really enjoyed the class. He always made it come to life. I think of him whenever I see or hear a dulcimer.

My sympathy and prayers are with your family.

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