|
|
Eric Jon Harmon
Former Frontier Falcon’s teacher and coach 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. He had been battling cancer for the last year.
Harmon 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. Harmon then finished his last three years as a physical therapy/sports medicine major at Purdue University, graduating in 1965.
After college, Harmon returned to Brookston to teach science at Frontier High School starting in 1966. While at Frontier, he founded the Falcons Football program and was its first head coach, capturing undefeated seasons along with a high win record. Harmon also was involved with coaching the Frontier baseball team.
Harmon was born Aug. 15, 1943, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Wilbur O. and Kathryn (Erickson) Harmon. He married Bonita M. Waples, of Brookston, on June 18, 1967, at the Federated Church in Brookston; she survives.
In 1972, Harmon took over his father’s State Farm Insurance Agency in Brookston starting a career that would have been 50 years on June 1.
He was promoted to area manager. As manager, Harmon traveled the state visiting agents, many of which became lifelong friends. He was dedicated to his clients and looked forward to going to his office every day, according to his family.
Harmon 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. He was especially excited the year he made it to the Elite 8 during March Madness, his family says.
After a long career as an NCAA basketball official, Harmon hung up his whistle when he became a coordinator for the MAC conference. He 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 Harmon 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. Harmon was able to umpire for his favorite team, the Chicago Cubs, versus the Chicago White Sox in the Windy City Classic for five years, his family said.
Surviving with his wife, Bonnie, are three daughters, Sonja R. (Kevin) Russell and Erica J. (Brian) Rothrock, of Monticello, and Cammy L. Blackman, of Carmel; grandchildren, Blake (Jenny) Russell, Taylor (Brian) Gibson, Bailey (Aliyah) Rothrock, Macie Rothrock, Brenley and Ainsley Blackman.
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 Dr., Chalmers. Rev. Dr. Lelan D. McReynolds will officiate.
A private burial will follow on Monday, Jan. 24, 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.
Memories and online condolences can be shared at www.clapperfuneralservices.com
Leave a Reply