Robert L. “Bob” Harmon
1941-2020
Robert Lynn “Bob” Harmon was born in Hollis, Oklahoma on June 13, 1941 to Farney and Mary (Critser) Harmon. He was born on Friday the 13th, and cut his first tooth on a Day that will Live in Infamy on December 7 of that same year. Living across the street from the Hollis Elementary School, his dog, Smokey, came to visit Bobbie and his friends at recess every day. Bob enjoyed aunts, uncles and cousins during his time in Hollis. Bob moved to Hugo, Oklahoma in junior high and eventually graduated from Hugo High School.
After spending a year in the military, leading to an assignment in the Army Reserves, Bob made his way to Oklahoma Christian College. While at OCC, he met the love of his life, Karen Sue Taylor, and married her before his freshman year was complete. From their wedding on May 6, 1961, these sweethearts would be so close that over the next 59 years it would be more natural for everyone to say “Bob and Karen” than to say their names separately. Their commitment and love for each other continues to be an inspiration for hundreds of couples to this day.
Bob studied at Oklahoma Christian College and Central State College, graduating with a degree in Accounting from CSC. He understood and loved accounting, and frequently explained accounting principles to fellow students after class. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1966.
Bob became a father on July 8, 1965 when his son, Rob, was born. A daughter, Suzie, was born a couple years later on January 12, 1967. Bob loved being a father. Together with Karen, they made an eternal impact with a Christian influence on the lives of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. From early on, Bob and Karen created memorable experiences for their family including campouts on the Illinois River and trips to Hawaii.
In additional to public accounting, Bob got into the Oil and Gas Industry in the mid-1980’s. He thoroughly enjoyed learning the industry and leading Paragon Production Company. Bob also loved being an elder for the Memorial Road Church of Christ. His insight and calming spirit were appreciated by elders, ministers and staff at the church.
After successfully fighting several medical conditions, Bob made his way home on August 10, 2020. Now he no longer fights a bad back, failing kidneys, diabetes, and a brain injury, but is now in the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bob is survived by his wife, Karen, his son, Rob (Jo) Harmon of Edmond, daughter Suzie (Darrin) Saffell of Fort Worth, Texas, his brother David (Jane) Harmon of Paris, Texas, his grandchildren Courtney (Alec) Schaffner, Katelynn Harmon, Ross (Tori) Saffell, Austin (Erica) Harmon, great-grandson Judah Saffell and cousin Jeannie (Mel) Milligan, who was like a sister.
Public visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, August 13, 2020 at Matthews Funeral Home. A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at the Memorial Road Church of Christ on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 10:00 am. You can attend in person or online. If you attend in person, please wear a mask and practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Westview Boys Home in Hollis, Oklahoma (www.westviewboyshome.com/boys-home/contact-us/) or the North Texas Alumni Association of Oklahoma Christian (give.oc.edu/ntac).
To attend online:
youtube.com/memorialroad
Bob Harmon was such a loving father and husband, friend and Christian friend. His hallmark in life was his constant smile and his gentle way of going about life.
Bob and Karen were warm and hospitable, always inviting guests to dine with them or stay overnight, especially those attending alumni events at nearby Oklahoma Christian.
Anytime a small group went out to eat, Bob was known to quietly grab the ticket and pay the tab, plus a generous tip for the waiter. It was futile to argue with him about it.
Karen is bound to be exhausted from her many weeks of going to Bob’s bedside in the hospital, then in the last 10 days, being away from him altogether. It was such a joy to hear that she got to touch him last Sunday, and that Bob got to hear her loving voice once more. Of course, those wonderful conversations will continue in the Heavens once Karen makes that flight to join him.
God bless Bob Harmon, and all in the family.
We were so sorry to hear Bob had passed, but happy to know that he is with Jesus, his Savior. Praise God! We love you Karen, Rob and Suzie and your families. You are in our prayers for God’s peace and comfort during this time, and forever. Bob was special … his humor and always caring for others. Bob was a Christian!
Art & Jane Neece
I love them both as Christian brother and sister. It made/makes no difference if I live a mile from them or a hundred miles, whether I talk/talked with them today or twenty years ago. They were one of the top five couples in my life that I consider to be perfect examples of living the life of a REAL Christian. Not since I met them have I ever heard one negative comment from or about them! Together they made one person. Karen, I know living without. Bob by your side will not be easy, but I also know you will continue on with the love and goodness that you’ve always shared because you love the Lord and you know Bob ran his race well, and won the crown for which he ran that race! The crown of Eternal Life in the presence of God the Father and the Son. I love, admire and respect you beyond what you can possibly know. Thank you for the wonderful example of living life the way it should be. ❤️
We have so many great memories of Bob Karen and the family from our days at College church. You will all be in our prayers. We love you
Mike and Jane Taylor
Although I lived near Bob for only 12 years after I was born, he was much like a big brother I never had. All of the cousins on the Critser side of the family were close and spent summers together mostly racing around “causing a ruckus” as our grandmother “Mama” Critser would say. I remember one Christmas in the mid 60’s when the family gathered in Hollis and Bob kindly explained accounting to me one afternoon. As a Chemist in training I was used to significant accuracy limits due to experimental error and we had quite a time discussing Bob’s version of accuracy versus mine.
We kept in touch over the years by mail, telephone and too few actual visits. Our last visit was too many years ago when my wife Dianne and I took a chance with my elderly parents Drue and Lorraine Davis and flew down to Oklahoma with them for a Family reunion with Bob, Karen, Mel and Jeannie and a host of others. DIanne and I stayed with Bob and Karen for several days and, as anyone who knows them would realize, they were incredibly kind and caring hosts.
Bob’s love and kindness for my parents was wonderful to behold and a true loving gift to them. I will always treasure his memory. He was a kind gentle soul who rests in God’s grace.
Karen and Family,
Other than a few family members I have probably known Bob longer than anyone, since we were in first grade together. Such a kind gentle man. Such a joy when he sent me the picture of our first grade class in Hollis, OK with Mrs. Sally Gillentine. So sorry for your loss.
Philip Bryan
Dear Karen and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing and extend to you all my deepest sympathy. Bob is one of the few men I’ve known who gave meaning to “a good man!” I’ve thanked God countless times over the past twenty seven years for the kindness and generosity he showed Travis, Clay and myself and truly appreciated him. I don’t know a single man who has or has had his heart and to us, he was one of a kind! He had the sweetest smile, and the gentlest spirit and the Mosses are so blessed to have known Bob!
We are thinking of you and the entire family, Karen! Fondly, Grenda
We will miss Bob’s pleasant smile and happy face. We have been blessed to have him as our christian brother.