Donald B Harmon

Don was born on March 7, 1922 to Robert L. Harmon and Avis Bosworth Harmon in Riverside, California. The family moved to Roseburg in 1925 and lived on Commercial Street. In 1926 the family built a house on Quail Lane. Don graduated from Roseburg High School where he met Betty Helmboldt in chemistry class. They married in Redondo Beach, California on March 3, 1942. Don joined the Army Air Corps on September 12, 1942 and served as a Flight Instructor concluding his enlistment in November of 1945 as a 1st Lieutenant. Don & Betty returned to Roseburg in 1945 where they also built a house on Quail Lane and began farming with his father.
Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, flying, and woodworking. In his 60's he built his own ultralite aircraft and flew it for several years.
He was one of the founders of the Umpqua Basin Water Association, which is now the largest water association in the State of Oregon. He also was part of a group of farmers and ranchers who were instrumental in getting Don Bailey to stay in Roseburg to establish Bailey Veterinary Clinic. Don also was an active member of War Birds and made a yearly visit to the high school to share military experiences.
Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty; his daughters: Gail Lewis (Dave); Peggy Markos, Sherrill Doyle (Tim); Julie Brown (Jim); and daughter-in-law, Sherry Harmon, 13 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild on the way. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert, son-in-law Bill Markos, and grandsons Joshua Brown and Devin Doyle.
At Don's request, there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Don't name to Doernbecher Children's Hospital, 700 SW Campus Drive, Portland, Oregon.