Thomas Richard Harmon

Obituary Thomas Richard Harmon Captain Thomas Richard Harmon, US Army, Retired, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on October 9, 2014 in Tacoma. He was born on April 23, 1923 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Tom joined the US Army on December 30, 1942 at the age of 19. He was very proud of his service having worked his way through the ranks from Private to Captain. His service record included WWII, in which he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for being among the first troops to rescue the American men, women and children at the Los Banos prison camp in the Philippines. He again was called to serve in the Korean War where he received his second Bronze Star with Valor. While gravely ill he drove alone three times through the Wan Ju Pass (enemy lines) to bring supplies and aide to the wounded and starving troops who were cut-off. Upon his return he was taken by ambulance to a field hospital. Tom retired from the Army in 1983 as a Captain. He went on to work for the US Postal Service at the AMF SeaTac Airport and retired after 25 years of service. Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; his family was his life. He was also a devoted member of Holy Cross Catholic Parish for over 60 years where he was head usher, Eucharistic Minister, and former member of the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife Helen were instrumental in helping to build the new church hall. The pair also helped start the doughnuts and coffee after mass. For many years they orchestrated, shopped and helped with the funeral receptions, Dad considered it his job! Tom is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Helen; infant children, Patricia, Michael and Christopher; and grandson, Sandy "Bodhi" Harmon. He is survived by his children, Betty (Tim) Wolfe, Tom (Laraine) Harmon, Barbara Harmon, Dorothy (Pat) Plaister, Ed Harmon, Tim (Michelle) Harmon; 19 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law's, Richard and James Bohlig; and his beloved church family. In lieu of flowers, it was Tom's wish that donations be made in his honor to Holy Cross Catholic Church or the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of our service men and women. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 10:30am at Holy Cross Catholic Church. The Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at 7:00pm also at the church. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.