Galen Harms

Galen Harms, 85, died peacefully in his home on January 2, 2024. He was born September 12, 1938, to Waldo and Hilda Harms of rural Whitewater. He graduated from Newton High School in 1956 and was active in 4-H and FFA. His skills in Crop and Livestock Judging earned him many awards and motivated him to pursue a career in agriculture, focusing on livestock.

He married Roberta Barrett on May 1, 1960, and lived on a farm East of Newton in the Whitewater area. They raised two daughters, Jene’ and Darla. Galen was an active member of Grace Hill Mennonite Church, Mennonite Men’s group, and sang in his church choir and the Mennonite Men’s Chorus.

As a youth, he was president of the 4-H council, and served as a junior leadership camp counselor. He and his wife raised registered Hampshire hogs and showed at the Kansas State Fair for 53 consecutive years. He served on the Harvey County fair board and the Kansas Pork Producers Board of Directors.

Galen enjoyed country music, riding horses, square dancing, and attending many state and national pork producer and square dance conventions in many states.  He enjoyed clogging for about 10 years later in life at fairs, festivals and nursing homes. Some of the travels that he experienced included British Columbia, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Macau, and the Philippines.

Galen prioritized family and was a fun-loving man who enjoyed teasing, hugging and laughing while spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also encouraged and supported many other people, making them feel special.

Galen loved music, playing guitar and singing songs to his daughters when they were young, He encouraged his daughters, and later his grandchildren, to pursue musical interests. Singing together with the family was always a special tradition.

Galen is survived by his wife of 63 years, Roberta; and daughters, Jené (Jerry) Yoder of Topeka, KS, Darla (Ivan) Harms-Becker of Hesston, KS; and grandchildren, Tara (DeLoss) Dulohery of Salina, KS, Jo Harms-Becker of Hesston, KS, Jevin (fiancé Emily Noland) Yoder and Jayce Yoder, of Fort Worth, TX; siblings Rita (Dean) Patterson of Valley Center, KS, Verla (Rodney) Vogts of Alva, OK, Connie (Ted) Fukudome of Boston, MA, Orlin (Terrie) Harms of Overbrook, KS; sisters-in-law Virginia Harms and  Brenda Harms of Newton, KS, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo and Hilda Harms, brother Clayton Harms, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service is scheduled for 10:30 am, Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Grace Hill Mennonite Church. Livestream for the service will be live at 10:15 am:
https://youtube.com/live/vt-d8IUmELY?feature=share

Visitation will also be at the church, Friday, January 5, 5-7 pm. The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Grace Hill Mennonite Church or charity of your choice, in care of Peterson Funeral Home, 215 N. Main, Newton, KS 67114.