Gary Lynn Harmon

Gary Lynn Harmon, age 73 of Granger, passed away surrounded by his wife and loving
daughters at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on Monday, June 13, 2022. Gary was
born January 30, 1949, in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late Andrew Jackson and Dorothy
Mae (Haun) Harmon. When Gary was a young boy, his family moved to Mishawaka. He
loved growing up in Mishawaka, and spent many hours playing with his friends Jim and
Jerry Reed and following his favorite team, the New York Yankees, specifically pitcher
Whitey Ford. In 1967, Gary graduated from Mishawaka High School. During his time at
MHS, Gary was an excellent student who was accepted into the National Honor Society.
He also served as the Editor in Chief of the Miskodeed yearbook. He later attended
Indiana University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. On April 16,
1977, Gary married the love of his life, Miss Mary Lou Schumacher, at St. John’s
Cathedral in Indianapolis, Indiana. They recently celebrated their 45 th anniversary.
He is survived by his wife Mary Lou Harmon of Granger, and their daughters Kristen
Harmon of South Bend and Alyson Gearhart and her husband Andrew of Richmond,
Virginia. Surviving as well are his grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Jocelyn and
Anderson Gearhart. His sister, Cheryl Smith, preceded him in death.

Gary was employed as an engineer at the Uniroyal Corporation in Mishawaka and later
with Bosch in South Bend where prior to his retirement, he became the Senior Manager
of the Materials Lab. His knowledge of rubber and plastics along with his strong
leadership skills allowed him to manage the lab for Bosch and speak and consult
internationally. His work in research and development led to publication in several
research journals and he became a Distinguished Member of the Society of Automotive
Engineers.
Following his retirement from Bosch, Gary spent time learning the art of engraving and
became quite skilled at his practice. What started as a hobby in his basement soon
became a small business venture and the Harmon family opened “The Engravery” in
Granger.
In his younger years, Gary became an avid bicyclist and built a road bike for long trips.
His favorite memory of bicycling was his 150-mile road trip to Indianapolis to visit his
in-laws. Gary later traded his bicycle in for a Honda Gold Wing and he enjoyed the
freedom of motorcycling. He also served the Granger community as a softball coach for
his daughters’ teams for several years. His patience and ability to teach the children
came in handy. He was also a talented woodworker and built dollhouses and other
custom pieces for family and friends.

Gary was a dedicated sports fan. He and his best friend Larry Guyton were loyal IU
Football fans and held season tickets for many years, traveling to Bloomington for the
weekend for home games and cheering on the Hoosiers no matter the outcome of the
game. He and close friends also had an annual tradition to spend what they called “All
Sports Weekend (ASW)” watching sports and catching up on old times.
Most of all, Gary was a modest and generous husband “Dodo” (the Harmon’s nickname
for both Dad and Grandpa) and friend to all. Because Gary was passionate about
education, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Harmon family to add to his
grandchildren’s 529 college funds.

If you wish to donate to their college funds, please follow the link provided below and create an account.

Once an account is created you can find their college fund by entering a gift ID.

myaccount.virginia529.com/pls/prod/twpkwbis.P_wwwlogin?startpage=GIFT

Jocelyn Gift ID:  OXWWMT4

Anderson Gift ID:  KO60M01

Friends may visit with the Harmon family from 12pm-2pm Friday, June 17, 2022, at St.
Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger, Indiana 46530. Immediately
following visitation, a Mass of Christian burial will begin at 2:00 pm with Msgr. William
Schooler presiding. Following the mass, a luncheon will be held at the church. Gary will
be laid to rest in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in a private ceremony at a later date.

A livestream of Gary's funeral may be viewed beginning at 2pm through the following links:

https://stpius.net or h ttps://www.facebook.com/StPiusGranger

The recorded Mass will also be available for viewing at a later time: facebook.com/StPiusGranger

(You do not need to have a Facebook account to view this recording or live-stream.)

To light a virtual candle, share a story of his life, or leave a message of comfort for Mary
Lou and her daughters, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.