Raymond Andrew "Dusty" Harmon

Raymond “Dusty” Harmon, of Independence, Mo. passed away March 31, 2018. Services will be Saturday, April 7th at 11:00 AM at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St, Independence Mo; interment at Blue Springs Cemetery. Visitation begins prior to the service at 10 AM. The family suggests contributions to Unity Village, 1901 NW Blue Parkway, Unity Village, Mo. 64065 or to their charity of choice.

Dusty was born in Sedalia, Mo. on October 18th, 1927 to William and Anna (Carroll) Harmon. In 1945 he graduated from Smith Cotton High School in Sedalia, Mo. He played quarterback for the football team, played baseball in the spring and was student council president. After graduating he enlisted with the Navy and studied engineering and was training as a pilot when WWII ended. He received an honorable discharge along with the World War II Victory Ribbon. In 1947 he married his high school sweetheart, Natalie June Decker.

After the service, Dusty worked as a civilian for the Army Corp of Engineers at Whitman Air Force Base in Knob Noster. The latter half of his career was spent with NOAA as manager of their Kansas City distribution facility. He retired at age 55 and was a real estate agent for several years. He then worked for Cable Dahmer Chevrolet, licensing leased vehicles.

While living in Sedalia, Dusty and June had 3 children, Debbie (Harmon) Cole, Brent and Keith. In early 1962, they moved to Redondo Beach, California for a short duration before moving back to Sedalia. In 1962 their youngest child, Kevin, was born. They moved to Independence in 1964 where they lived until October 2016. Dusty and June spent many evenings at local events for their children, and later in life with their four grandsons.

Dusty and June took many trips in their later years with the Friends of Chicago & Alton Depot. They truly enjoyed the company of those they traveled with and seeing the many different sites around the USA by train and tour bus. They also both volunteered their time at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate and Vaile Mansion.

Dusty was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Natalie June Harmon, his daughter Debbie Cole, and his parents, William and Anna Harmon. He leaves a sister, Ann McKay, brothers Larry Harmon and Ron Harmon, sons Brent and his wife Nancy Lewis, Keith Harmon, Kevin and his wife Cindy Case-Harmon and son-in-law Robert (Bob) Cole. He also leaves four grandsons, Kalab Harmon, Harrison Harmon, William Harmon and Ian Harmon.

Those who knew Dusty will remember him as a family man. He was always there for his family, first and foremost, with a smile and kind words. He will be missed.