Homer Harms

Homer L. Harms was born on August 26, 1931, the oldest son of Dan and
Pearl Voth Harms. A brother Wayne joined the family 5 years later. Homer grew
up on a farm in the Whitewater area and attended the Star Grade School. He
attended Grace Hill Mennonite Church with his family and was baptized as a youth
and joined the church, later adding an associate membership at Faith Mennonite
Church when they could no longer make the long trip out to the country for church.
As a young adult, Homer moved to Newton and began working at Guerdons in the
late 50’s. It was while working there that he met a young lady working at the
Ripley Hotel and began dating her. Homer and Elma Funk were married on April
17, 1959 and have enjoyed 55 years of marriage. In 1960, a son, Marvin was born
followed by a daughter, Gwenda in 1964. The family enjoyed traveling and
camping together which Homer and Elma continued after the children grew up. He
retired from Excell Industries after 29 years and enjoyed a long and productive
retirement.

One of his earliest memories was learning how to fish and it became a
lifelong hobby for him. Homer was also an avid gardener, even gardening in
containers after moving to Kidron Apartments, sharing his produce with friends
and neighbors. They were members of the Buffalo Sam’s Camping Club of
McPherson for many years and enjoyed many trips and close friendships through
the club. Homer and Elma enjoyed serving as the MCC Sale contact couple for
Grace Hill Church. He also was part of a bowling team for many years. Homer
enjoyed the many family get-togethers and also going to Bluegrass Festivals.

He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on November 7, 2014 and died on
November 16, at the age of83, at Kidron Bethel Healthcare. He was preceded in
death by his parents and brother, and one brother-in-law, George Schierling. He is
survived by his wife Elma of North Newton, son Marvin and Nancy Harms of rural
Newton, daughter Gwenda Harms of New Jersey, sister in law Vivian Harms of
Newton, also Elma’s family- Eldon and Esther Funk of Hillsboro, LaVerna
Schierling of North Newton, Marlin and Sharolyn Funk of Lehigh, 6
grandchildren-Jana, Laura, Brett and Sara Harms, Joshua Alexander, Justin Mahmud, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5-9pm with family greeting friends from 6-8pm on Wednesday, November 19, 2014.  A memorial service will be held at Faith Mennonite Church on Friday, November 21^st, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Memorials in memory of Homer Harms may be made out either Kidron Bethel Village or Faith Mennonite Church.