This memorial website was created to remember George E Harms who was born in Manito, Illinois on August 18, 1920 and passed away on February 28, 2009. He will live forever in our memories and hearts.
George E Harms, 88, of Peoria, passed away at 8:27 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2009, at Proctor Hospital in Peoria.
George was born in Manito on August 18, 1920, a son of Cornelius J. and Clara Rosina (Willms) Harms. He was formerly married to Myrna Fischer, Jeanne Cates and Nita Nahas. His parents and his sister, Mildred Krause, preceded him in death.
George is survived by his daughters, Patricia (Charles) Bennett of Manassas, VA and Deloris Cash of Casselberry, FL; son, George “Cub” (Paula) Harms II of Dunlap; loving companion of eighteen years, Pam Isaia; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; five step-children, Chris, Pam, Tracy, Tom and Tammy; six step grandchildren; one niece; and one nephew.
In 1938, George graduated from Manual Training High School in Peoria. In 1943, he graduated from the University of Illinois with his Bachelor of Science degree in Floriculture.
From October of 1943 to May of 1946, George served in the U.S. Army as a combat AA liaison pilot for air observation for field artillery fire. He flew reconnaissance in Italy during World War II, directing artillery fire on the enemy. An air medal is awarded for each performance of thirty-five sorties and George was awarded a total of three air medals. He separated from the Army as a Captain, but continued to serve as a member of the Civil Air Patrol during the 1950’s and 1960’s.
In 1947, George purchased Harms Florist from his father, who had operated it for eighteen years. He received several awards and recognitions for the hybrid flowers that he created. He retired in 1996, at the age of seventy-six, when he sold his beloved Harms Florist.
George enjoyed collecting stamps and coins, flying, fishing, boating, playing bridge, dancing, cooking and rooting for the Chicago Bears. He loved listening to Big Band music and Frank Sinatra. The Maple Leaf Rag was his favorite song. He enjoyed spending his time on his boat, at the Ivy Club and at his home on Fondulac Drive in East Peoria.
George will be remembered for his sense of humor, his optimism, his generosity, his curiosity and for being a sensitive, loving and fun loving man.
A Celebration of George’s life will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at the Unity Church of Peoria, with Pastor Sammy Waller officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church.
Interment will be at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria, with military honors provided by the U.S. Army.
Memorial contributions may be made in George’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association Central Illinois Chapter.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home in Peoria. George’s Memorial Website and online condolences may be accessed at www.ClaryFunerals.com.
George was such a wonderful man and step-father. He will be truly missed. He was such a loving and caring man, and liked to laugh and make others laugh. My fondest memories with him are the get together's and parties at the house on Fon Du Lac drive, and going for rides on the boat, and hanging out down at the Ivy Club, and listening to him tell his stories from the past. Love to you forever and your family too. Tammy Redshaw and family
| Melodee Comenzo |
Friend |
March 4, 2009 |
I am so sorry not to be there with all of you at this sad time. But, I know besides your tears that there will be laughter as you talk over all the memories and loads of laughter he shared with so many people. I am honored to have shared some of those times with George and family. Those memories will never be taken away.... and he left 3 such beautifut children! What an amazing person God gave us. Some day we will see him again, but first, we'll hear that famous Harms Honk before we see his smile. Love to you all. Melodee
| Henk Berbee Marysville Ohio |
loss of a good friend |
March 4, 2009 |
Dear Harms family,
I had the pleasure of meeting George for the first time 40 years ago, and over the years had many visits with him and his family, When I stayed with him on weekends our favourite thing to do was deliver flowers to his customers, and see their faces light up. Because of his diverse interest I considered George not only a trusted friend but a mentor as well, always patient and time for a quick wit, I wish I could be with you on Thursday but at 10:00 AM I am scheduled to become a naturalized citizen of the United States, Please be assured that I dedicate my pledge of allegiance to the memory of George. My life has been much richer because of him, and I am forever greatfull to his memory.
| Pam Cates & Family |
Stepdaughter |
March 3, 2009 |
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your stepdad. My thoughts are with you and your family. I know you will cherrish all the good memories you have with the family.
Carol Brockway
| Alan Meister |
friend |
March 3, 2009 |
Patty, Dee, and Cub,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you, as are good memories of times long ago.
