Obituary index

Harry Eugene Damarin

[February 19, 2024]  MT. PULASKI - Harry Eugene Damarin, 88, of Mt. Pulaski lived out his life on the farm and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 18, 2024, on a beautiful, bright, sunny winter’s day just before noon, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Graveside Service:  11 a.m. Friday, February 23, 2024, at Mt. Pulaski Cemetery

Funeral home: Fricke-Calvert-Schrader, Mt. Pulaski

Obituary

Harry Eugene Damarin, 88, of Mt. Pulaski lived out his life on the farm and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 18, 2024, on a beautiful, bright, sunny winter’s day just before noon, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. He was born October 8, 1935, at Deaconess Hospital in Lincoln, to Harry Arthur and Alene Mayer Damarin of rural Mt. Pulaski. He was the youngest of four children.

Harry attended Mt. Pulaski Schools, including the one-room schoolhouse, Laughery School. He entered the Army National Guard during the Berlin Crisis, serving six consecutive years in Fort Knox, KY. He met JoAnn Painter while roller skating with friends at Moonlight Garden Skating Palace in Springfield. They have celebrated 62 years of marriage and were married on August 31, 1961, at the United Methodist Church in Mt. Pulaski.

Harry was a quiet, hard-working and kind man with a big smile. He grew up on the family farm at Salt Creek, where he enjoyed playing with his pets, playing and fishing with neighbor kids at the creek, and doing chores on the farm. Harry started farming with his dad at a young age and proudly farmed for over 50 years. Harry, JoAnn and family were recognized for their Centennial Farm at a luncheon at the Governor’s Tent at the Illinois State Fair and would later receive a Sesquicentennial award for the same farm.

You would often see Harry on his riding lawn mower keeping his yard and ditches looking great. His kids and grandkids couldn’t leave the driveway without him cleaning their windshields. He loved to read about current events, agriculture news and kept his kids informed of any recalls on their vehicles and appliances.

Harry and JoAnn enjoyed watching and keeping up with PGA golf. Harry was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved the color red. Rarely, you would see him without wearing a Cardinal baseball cap. Harry enjoyed meeting up for coffee with neighboring farmers at Alan Skagg’s station back in the day, and later, meeting up with the guys’ group at Subway.

Harry was the best Dad, grandfather and great-grandfather. He and JoAnn loved attending their grandchildren’s school and sporting events and were proud of their accomplishments.
Harry is survived by his wife, JoAnn; daughter, Lisa (Richard) Wood of Athens; son, Gregory (Sharon) Damarin of Rochester; grandchildren, Jenna (Andrew) Vortman (sons, Aiden & William); Scott Wood; Nicholas Damarin; Taylor Damarin; Kody Brian (son, Vance); and Brandon (Kristen) Brian.

Harry was preceded in death by his brothers, Virgil, John, and sister, Doris.

Per Harry’s request, a graveside service will be held for family, friends and neighbors at 11 a.m. Friday, February 23, 2024, at Mt. Pulaski Cemetery. Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Mt. Pulaski has been entrusted with arrangements.

Harry was proud of his family history in Mt. Pulaski and Logan County. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Harry’s name to the Mt. Pulaski Historical Society.

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