Mr. Abelard Rudolph Harmon

Abelard “Loudy” Rudolph Harmon was born November 5, 1934 in Evanston, IL to the late William and Luella Harmon. He was the 6th of 8 children. Abelard departed this life on September 20, 2019 at Evanston-Northshore Hospital.

Abelard received his education through the Evanston public school system.

Abelard was a hard worker and held many jobs during his life. Although he retired as a custodian from Evanston Township High School, he later worked for the City of Evanston as a crossing guard.  The jobs he enjoyed most was being a mechanic and bus driver for the Robinson Bus Company. He was known to us as “Mr. GPS”, our navigator before navigation systems. His favorite statement to say was “why go east, just to go west.”

Abelard had a passion for working on cars. He was known as being one of the best mechanics in Evanston. He once built a car from the ground up. He always wanted to know how your car was doing, and if there was a problem, he could tell you exactly how to fix it.

Abelard had several hobbies that he enjoyed during his free time. During his younger years he rode a motorcycle and was a part a bike club. He loved watching his cowboy movies, sports, and hanging with his partner in crime, his baby sister Rosie. He was also a grill master, his ribs were legendary.

Abelard loved his family. He had a very outgoing spirit that could make anyone laugh. He adored the company of his family at family functions. He would always offer the functions to be held at his house. He formed special relationships with all of his children and grandchildren.  

Abelard was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Mamie (Rubye) Harmon. He was also preceded in death by his brothers John and Jesse Harmon; and his sisters Mary Gilchrist, Georgeanne Harmon Sutton, and Lela Overstreet; and one step-son, Henry Hammell.

He leaves to cherish the memories of his life, three devoted daughters Penny Wilbon, Donna (Rodney) Beasley, and Kimberley Harmon; two sons Cleophus Taylor and James (Virginia) Purnell; two step-children Andrea Hammell and Richard (Paulette) Hammell. 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. One sister Rosezelma Perkins, one brother William Harmon, II and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his best friend of many years George (Dorothy) Blackwell. He also had a special bond with his daughters and sons in-law.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette ~ Funeral Director

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