Eric Jon Harmon

1943 - 2022

Eric Jon Harmon, 78, Monticello, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at 11:28 a.m., Jan. 15, 2022, at IU White Memorial in Monticello. Eric had been battling cancer for the last year.

Eric was born Aug. 15, 1943, in Birmingham, Ala., to the late Wilbur O. and Kathryn (Erickson) Harmon. Eric was a 1961 graduate of Brookston High School, where he was a member of the 1960 Bomber Sectional Championship Team. He attended Butler University as a freshman and played baseball for the famous Coach Hinkle. He then finished his last three years as a Physical Therapy / Sports Medicine major at Purdue University, graduating in 1965.

His marriage of 54 years was to Bonita M. Waples of Brookston on June 18, 1967, at the Federated Church in Brookston; she survives.

After college, Eric returned to Brookston, teaching Science at Frontier High School starting in 1966. While at Frontier, Eric founded the Falcons Football program and was its first head coach capturing undefeated seasons along with a high win record. Eric also was involved with coaching the Frontier Baseball Team.

In 1972, Eric took over his father's State Farm Insurance Agency in Brookston starting a career that would have been 50 years June 1 of this year, 2022. Eric was promoted to Area Manager, paving the way for his brother Bruce to take over the family State Farm Agency in Brookston. As Manager, Eric traveled the state visiting agents, many of which became lifelong friends. He was also responsible for recruiting new agents, successfully planting many new agencies throughout Indiana. Eric would grow to miss life as a State Farm Agent, ultimately making the switch back to agency and establishing his permanent office on Earl Avenue in Lafayette; where he would spend six days a week serving his clients. While at State Farm, Eric earned numerous Agent of the Year awards and multiple Millionaire Club trips for sales. Eric was truly dedicated to his clients and looked forward to going to his office every day.

Eric was also widely known as an accomplished basketball referee, football official and baseball umpire. He started working IHSAA games and quickly his talents were noticed and made it to referee the Indiana State Finals. Eventually he was promoted to work at the NCAA level with the Big Ten, Big East, Mid Con, Missouri Valley, MAC and many other Division I, II, and III games. Eric was especially excited the year he made it to the Elite 8 during March Madness. After a long career as an NCAA basketball official, he hung up his whistle when he became a coordinator for the MAC conference. Eric found his passion with officiating for many sports which led him to great friendships with coaches, even Bobby Knight and Gene Keady, players, officials, and fans. He even had the opportunity to play himself in the movie "Blue Chips" that was filmed here in Frankfort. Memorable highlights for Eric with his football officiating years would be the time he spent with his "old crew" making it to the state finals year after year. Those friendships he cherished and even remained close to this day. He loved the game of baseball and especially umpiring behind the plate for numerous levels from the young ones just starting to high school, college, legion, adult leagues, and MLB. Eric was able to umpire for his favorite team Chicago Cubs, versus Chicago White Sox in the Windy City Classic for five years. For over 50 years Eric traveled the country spending many nights and weekends on football and baseball fields or running up and down the basketball court. He took a special interest in mentoring new officials and giving them opportunities to grow within their ranks at different levels of the game. Eric also enjoyed several years coaching American Legion baseball for Lafayette Post 11 and Monticello post 81.

Surviving with his wife Bonnie, are three daughters, Sonja R. (Kevin) Russell, Monticello, Erica J. (Brian) Rothrock, Monticello and Cammy L. Blackman, Carmel. Eric cherished spending time with his grandkids, Blake (Jenny) Russell, Taylor (Brian) Gibson, Bailey (Aliyah) Rothrock, Macie Rothrock, Brenley and Ainsley Blackman. He was known to be a huge supporter at their sports' events at all levels and enjoyed cheering on the Boilermakers or Cubs with them.

Preceding him in death with his parents is a daughter, Tammy Lynn Harmon and his brother, Bruce Harmon.

Friends may call from noon until the time of funeral service at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at Frontier High School (1 Falcon Drive Chalmers); his good friend, Rev. Dr. Lelan D. McReynolds to officiate.

A private burial to follow on Monday at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens Cemetery, West Lafayette.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the athletic departments of Frontier or Twin Lakes High Schools.

Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com