Henry Theodore Harmon II (Ted) of Lebanon, Missouri, departed this life after a long illness on April 24, 2024, in Lawrence, Kansas. He was 70 years old.
Ted was born in Springfield, Missouri, on March 12, 1954, to Henry Theodore Harmon (Hank) and Marjorie Ann Harmon (Marge). His sister Mildred Ann Harmon (Millie) arrived soon after. Their early childhood was spent in Montana and Kansas before the family moved to Lebanon, Missouri, in the early 1960s.
Ted and Candace Sue Willard (Candy) of Sleeper, Missouri, married in 1975. Together they raised two children, Amy Marie and Matthew Theodore.
Ted’s most cherished childhood memory was listening to Cardinals baseball in his beloved Grandmother Lavaughn’s restaurant kitchen while she worked. This core moment also inspired a lifetime love of cooking for friends and family. Everyone in Ted’s life remembers the meals he affectionately prepared; his grilled cheeseburgers, steaks, and ribs were always a hit. He frequently visited Italian markets for the perfect pizza ingredients. Every summer, his family was guaranteed the best BLTs and fresh salsa thanks to tomatoes and peppers from the garden he shared with his father, Hank.
Ted was a talented golfer, remembered in the Lebanon Sports Hall of Fame for his high school golfing achievements. After graduating from Lebanon High School in 1972, he attended Drury University, where he was a member of the golf team until graduating in 1976. He was a lifelong Cardinals fan who enjoyed spending time in St. Louis, taking friends and family members to games. During the NFL season, Ted wore one of his many Kansas City Chiefs sweatshirts while enthusiastically watching every game, often with his sister Millie. Annual trips to Hot Springs, Arkansas, to attend horse races at Oaklawn Park were a must–a fondness he shared with his mother, Marge.
Ted was a devoted father to Amy and Matt, playing an active role in their childhood, supporting their hobbies, endeavors and relationships. He enjoyed handing over cash every time they left the house, ensuring they had money for food and gas with enough left to treat a friend.
Ted was a loyal and generous friend to many throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Candy, and his mother, Marge.
Ted is survived by a daughter, Amy Harmon, her husband, Ryan Van Bibber, and their son Henry Van Bibber of Santa Fe, New Mexico; a son, Matthew Harmon, his wife Jackie Harmon, and their daughter Wren Harmon of Lawrence, Kansas; his father, Hank Harmon and his sister, Millie Harmon, both of Lebanon, Missouri; his nieces Katie Haney and Megan Slye and their families, all of Lebanon, Missouri. He also leaves behind his former wife, Brenda Harmon, and her family of Camdenton, Missouri.
A private graveside service will be held at Lebanon Cemetery later this summer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
