Waldo A. “Pete” Harms, 86, of Mount Carmel, Illinois passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Linda E. White Hospice Center in Evansville, IN. He was born on February 21, 1932 in Wabash County, IL the son of Ray and Mary (Burton) Harms. Pete married Frances Earlene (Lambert) Harms on August 1, 1964 at the Christian Church in Allendale, IL. They enjoyed fifty-two years of marriage before her passing on January 2, 2017.
Pete was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Pete was a very hard worker and that showed in his work throughout his life. During Pete’s working career he worked as a driller and pumper in the oilfields where was employed by several local oilfield companies. He also was a caterpillar operator where he dug ponds, basements and helped with road work. He was proud of his work on Mesa Lake and Conservation Lake where he received a lifetime membership award for service. Until his retirement, Pete worked at Highland Farms. Among Pete’s hobbies he was an avid coon hunter where he belonged to several coon clubs. He also loved being outdoors, fishing and always loved to go deep sea fishing.
Pete will be remembered by his four sons, Steve (Robin) Harms, Jimmie (Sherry) Dardeen, Jeff (Nikki) Dardeen, and Lonnie Dardeen; four daughters, Deborah (Tom) Griesemer, Jona (Tim Aldredge) Clardy , Carlena (Dewayne) Brewer, and Brenda (Don) Jones; thirty one grandchildren; thirty nine great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; sisters, Alice (Gib) Wilkinson; brother, James (Carol) Harms; son in law, Bill Dooley; many loved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Earlene Harms; sons, Keith Harms and Allen Harms; daughter, Sandra Dooley; brothers, Bill, Bob and Estel Harms; sister, Betty Kelsey. Pete was also preceded by his first wife, Betty (Lange) Harms.
Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Pentecostal Faith Assembly with Brother Bill Reed officiating. Burial will follow at Friendsville Cemetery where Pete will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Earlene Harms.
Family and friends may gather for a Visitation from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at the Pentecostal Faith Assembly.
The family would like to thank River Oaks for their compassionate care that was shown to Pete and the family.
Memorial contributions may be made in Pete’s memory to Pentecostal Faith Assembly Building Fund. Envelopes will be at the church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Pete’s tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the Harms family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
