Obituary
Robert Eugene Harmon October 29, 1939 – February 14,2023
Robert Eugene Harmon, age 83, of Alamogordo, New Mexico passed away on February 14, 2023 at 5:44 pm at the Aristocrat Assisted Living Center. He was with his wife Sue, daughter Brenda and son-in-law J at his time of death.
The son of Russell and Evelyn Harmon, Robert was born in Ft. Sumner, NM, on October 29, 1939, the second of two sons. He weighed four pounds and spent the first few weeks of his life sleeping in a dresser drawer as a bed.
Robert’s life growing up near House, NM was simple. They worked hard and didn’t travel much. He enjoyed playing with his toys under a mulberry tree. They had no electricity, a party-line phone, and their bathroom was an outhouse. When he was seven he got his first horse, Lightening. Lightening carried Robert and his dog Dagwood, who rode behind Robert, many miles together. Robert also used Lightening as a work horse, hitching him up to his wagon, where he and his dog rode along.
Robert graduated from House High School in May of 1958. During his time in high school he played basketball and ran track. He qualified for state in high jump, which he says was the highlight of his sports career. His senior year he was named most likely to succeed, friendliest, class favorite, nicest smile and Mr. House High School.
Robert started college at Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) in the fall of 1958. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Education Degree in December of 1962. Robert met his beautiful bride to be, Virginia Sue Hudnall while in high school. They were married in House, NM on April 22, 1962. Bob arrived in July of 1963, Brenda came soon after in July of 1964 and Bryce was born in September of 1968 and that same year he received a Master of Business Administration from ENMU.
Robert started his career in public education when he took a teaching position at Portales High School in January of 1963. He taught business courses and was the DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) teacher/supervisor. Robert was selected teacher of the year for the Portales High School in 1969. He taught for six and a half years and then took the Business Manager position for the Portales Schools. He worked as the Business Manager for 23 ½ years. Robert retired in December of 1993. His career in public education spanned 30 years. His dedication to education was not over shadowed by his love of the family farm and ranch. He continued to help his parents farm and ranch almost every weekend and summers throughout and beyond his career.
Robert and his family lived in the Portales area from 1963 to 2006. In 2006 Robert and Sue moved to Clovis, NM to help take care of his mother, Evelyn. Robert and Sue moved to Alamogordo, NM in 2017 to be closer to their daughter, Brenda. In his retirement years he enjoyed spending time at the family farm and ranch near House, NM. He was also a skilled wood worker and built many detailed trains, trucks, tractors, and cars. He also enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Evelyn Harmon, older brother, Kay Harmon, and a granddaughter Rachel Harmon.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sue Harmon of Alamogordo, NM; son Bob Harmon and wife Ronda of Los Alamos, NM; daughter Brenda Hammond and husband J of Cloudcroft, NM; and son Bryce Harmon and wife Darla of Ripon, CA. His grandchildren include Kayci Miller and husband Caleb of White Rock, NM; Jayson Hammond of White Rock, NM; Jeff Hammond and wife Page of Murfreesboro, TN; and Michelle Harmon and fiancé Nick Blackwood of Ripon, CA. Great grandchildren Rylee, Luke and Jake Miller of White Rock, NM; and Libby and Matty Hammond of Murfreesboro, TN.
In a book that Robert and Sue created for their grandchildren, Robert states “I feel that much of my success is because my parents taught me the importance of work. I always worked hard as I grew up. They taught me honesty, and the importance of providing for your family. I will always appreciate what they did for me.” These are some of the qualities that Robert passed down to his kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
A viewing with family will be held at Wheeler Mortuary in Portales, NM on Sunday, February 19, 2023 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at Central Baptist Church in Clovis, NM at 9:00 am on Monday, February 20, 2023. His final resting place will be in the House, NM cemetery, buried next to his parents.
