Michael Harmon

Michael W. Harmon, age 57, of Shawneetown, Gallatin County, Illinois departed this life at Deaconess Hospital, Evansville, Indiana, on August 28, 2025. His final act of generosity was the donation of vital organs through the Indiana Donor Network. Michael perished as the result of a motorcycle accident on Friday, August 22, 2025, near his home in Shawneetown, Illinois.  

Michael was the only child born to William (Bill) Harmon and Cathy (Abell) Smith. Michael’s father, Bill, preceded him in death in 2009. Michael’s mother, Cathy, survives. Michael was an extremely proud father of two sons, Andrew Harmon and Robert (Robbie) Harmon, who survive, along with his former spouse Debbie (Dale) Gebke. Andrew and wife, Hannah, reside in Germantown, Illinois. Robbie and fiancé, Emma, live in Ballwin, Missouri. Both sons are Marine Corps veterans. Andrew and Hannah are the parents of a daughter, Stella, and a son, Griffin. These two grandkids gave Michael precious enjoyment and satisfaction. He lived for his next opportunity to be with them.Cathy (Abell) Smith, mother of Michael, lives near Harrisburg, Illinois, with her husband, James H. (Jim) Smith. Cathy has always been active in the lives of Michael, his sons, and his grandchildren. She cherishes those Michael left, and her fond memories of Michael. Michael was known for his unselfish and carefree nature. In childhood, he was nurtured alongside Damon Smith and Chase (Smith) Kelley, children of Jim. Damon resides in Washougal, Washington. Chase and husband, Donny Kelley, reside in Evansville, Indiana.Michael gained a sister, Jaclyn Harmon, of Henderson, Kentucky, when his Dad, Bill, remarried. Jaclyn has a son, James, presently a college athlete, in whom Michael took great pride and interest.

Michael enjoyed sports, especially basketball, as a Ridgway Eagle and a SouthEastern IL College Falcon. He shared his passion for basketball with Chase, and her kids. The Kelleys have two children, daughter, Avery, and son, Wes, both athletes.Michael leaves many aunts, uncles and cousins from the Martin & Louise Abell family and the Ralph & Ann Harmon family. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Bill Harmon, and a granddaughter, Leila Harmon.Michael’s father, Bill, was one of five brothers. Michael was very close to his uncles, Tom, Jim, John and Joe, on the Harmon side. Cathy’s brothers Fr. Don, Bob, Rich, Larry and Pat, on the Abell side, and especially Cathy’s sister, Linda (deceased) and her husband, Chuck McGuire, were very important to Michael in his upbringing. Uncle Tom and Aunt Jane Harmon were like parents to Michael.

Arrangements:Visitation: Cox Funeral Home, Ridgway, IL- 8am-10am on Monday, September 1 Funeral Service: St. Kateri Catholic Church, Ridgway, IL - 11am - immediately following visitation. Burial Service: at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Shawneetown, IL - immediately following funeral Celebration of Life Luncheon: at St. Kateri Parish Hall - immediately following burial Gifts: Indiana Donor Network; other local source for organ donation; St. Kateri Church