In loving memory of Thomas Reed Harmon, 87, who passed away peacefully at home on Saturday morning, February 22, 2014. He was born February 18, 1927, in Louisville, KY, and lived in Roseburg, OR. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Usher; his parents, Evela and Agnes Harmon; his brothers – Weldon, Rural and Bobby; his sisters – Lelda, Alma, Margaret, Mary Jane and Betty Jean; and survived by his sisters – Virginia and Alice.
He is survived by his children – Pamela Riscili (LA), Paula Rivoli (FL), Terry Harmon (FL), Patricia Nash (FL), Deborah Samuel (FL); and stepdaughters – Robin Heath (AZ), and Cindy Larick (OH). Tom has 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandsons.
Tom was a veteran of WW2, serving in the U.S. Navy. Following the war, he went to work in the construction business installing drywall until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force making training films. Once he finished his second tour, he was employed by RCA in filming launches from Cape Canaveral. Following that assignment, Tom returned to the Air Force as a civilian employee serving as supervisor in the production of training films in locations worldwide. After over 20 years, Tom retired from government service and was asked to provide expertise in high speed photography for the movies “Top Gun” and “Flight of the Intruder”.
Tom joined San Bernardino Masonic Lodge # 348 in San Bernardino, California in 1956 and served as Worshipful Master. He also was a member of Scottish Rite and York Rite. During his working years, his job took him all over the world and Tom was very proud of visiting Masonic Lodges in places like Germany, Australia, Singapore, Philippines, and South America. After retirement, they moved to Roseburg and he joined Laurel Masonic Lodge #13 and served many years as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Building Trustees, retiring in 2011.
Tom was a Charter member of Meridian Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; a member of Roseburg Valley, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; Solomon Chapter of the Allied Masonic Degrees; as well as Hillah Shrine Temple. Mary Lou and Tom both joined Eastern Star where they served as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron of Roseburg Chapter #8, Roseburg, OR.
He was also a member of The Kentucky Colonels and the Roseburg Morning Rotary Club. He made significant contributions every year to support their charitable programs and especially loved programs which supported the youth of our community. He was a kind, loving, generous man who was loved by many. He will truly be missed by all.
Services will be held on Monday, March 3, at 2 p.m. at The United Methodist Church of Wilbur – 757 North Bank Road where he was a member. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Tom may be made to The Kentucky Colonels – 1717 Alliant Avenue, Ste 14, Louisville, KY 40299; the Rotary Foundation – 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201; and The United Methodist Church of Wilbur – 757 North Bank Rd., P.O. Box 613, Wilbur, OR 97494
We love and miss you very much, Dad. Till we meet again. Arrangements are under the direction of Taylor’s Family Chapel.
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My dad, James Licursi worked with Tom @ RCA, Cape Canaveral, Look Out Mountain and Air Force Now @ Norton AFB. I would hear Toms name all the time, as my dad shared all the AFN updates with me and then I joined the AF. These guys were amazing and may Toms legacy live on.
I was a young airman at Norton AFB. Tom was one of the giants. He knew and had seen it all. I learned a great deal from him. He was very kind and a strong leader. I’m deeply sorry for all of our loss. May God bless his family and continue to spread his philosophy of leadership and his passion for photography. Indeed a great man who touched many many young hearts. His thoughtful leadership protected many of us who were in harms way.
Roy H. Wagner ASC
director of photography
I was on Tom’s photo crew for two years as one of his motion picture photographers . I cannot recall working for a better guy . Thought about Tom often over the years . I retired from the air force in 1992, after 24 years . I was a young airman and Tom tought me a lot about photography .
RIP Tom, your friends Rick and Mary