Orson Harmon, Fairview Pioneer, Succumbs After Lingering Illness

Orson E. Harmon, 69, one of the pioneers of Fairview passed away last Sunday December 23 of a lingering illness. Although he has been ill for a long time, he was able to get out and around until the last month or two.
Orson Elmer Harmon was born December 26, 1882, at Charleston, Cache Co., Utah; one of eleven children born to Henry Martin Harmon and Mary Alzina Sperry.
They moved to Star Valley in 1885, where they endured the hardships of pioneer life. He has lived in Star Valley since then with the exception of one winter that was spent in the Snake River Valley.
His father died when he was eleven years old. Being the oldest boy he was responsible more or less for the family. Times were hard, but they struggled on like the rest of those brave pioneers.
The first job he ever had after he received the priesthood was President of the Deacon quorum. The deacons used to cut wood, shovel snow, help the windows and older people. He was advanced into the Melchezidek Priesthood and became an Elder in March 1904. On September 28, 1904, he was married to Margaret Jolley Jensen in the Logan Temple. To this union was born five children; Willis, Velma, Thora, Lovina, who passed away six years ago last October and Margaret, who passed away 36 years ago.
They have not had worldly riches, but they have had love for each other and a happy home life. Mr Harmon has always tried to be honest with his fellowmen, which lesson he has tried to teach his family all his life.
He has been ill for 12 weeks, and he passed away December 23, 1951.
Funeral Services were held in the Fairview Ward chapel December 27, 1951 at 1:00 p.m. under the direction of Bishop Delbert A. Chadwick
Opening Song; "Sweet Hour of Prayer" by Fairview ward choir.
Opening Prayer; Merlin Jensen.
Quartet: "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go" Ronald Allred, Budd Pead, Darrel and Lowell Hoopes accompanied by Gladys Shumway.
Life history was given by a granddaughter, Louise Yeaman.
First Speaker; Ezra Child, who spoke of their childhood days together and their companionship throughout the years.
Solo; "Bury Me Near the Old Home" by Harvey Harmon.
Second speaker: Albert Barrus, who spoke of his close acquaintance with the family.
Remarks: Bishop D.A. Chadwick who spoke of his loyalty and devotion to the church and also his love and generosity in caring for nieces, nephews and grandchildren who were left motherless and cared for in the home as his own.
Closing prayer; Reuben Jensen.
Prelude and postlude music was by Gladys Shumway.
The grave was dedicated by Ronald Allred.
Prayer was offered in the home by Harvey Kennington.
Flowers were under the direction of the Fairview Relief Society and were carried by the granddaughters and nieces.

Harmon, Orson (23 Dec 1951)Star Valley Independent