Velma Irene (Powers) Harmon, age 101, resident of Pilgrim Manor in Plymouth, IN, transitioned from her life on earth to her next journey with Jesus on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
She was known to many old friends as “VIP” (her maiden name initials).
Velma was born on December 4, 1923 to her parents, Reuben R. and Gussie R. (McCollough) Powers. Velma graduated from Argos High School in 1941. She married Joe W. Harmon on June 23, 1950 and they lived on Michigan Street in Argos, Indiana. They later moved to Plymouth in 1951 and spent their entire life there. Velma and Joe had 3 children: Patricia I. Redman of Bourbon; Lynda J. Humes of South Bend; and William J. (Bill) Harmon of Barefoot Bay, Florida.
Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Reuben and Gussie Powers; her sister, Dorothy E. Swanson; her brother, Ray L. (Bud) Powers; and daughter, Lynda Humes.
Surviving Velma are 2 of her 3 children and their extended families that include a daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Velma worked as a bookkeeper at Burkett/Rinard Chevrolet in Argos, Indiana. She was also an employee at the Argos Reflector of Argos, Indiana. Included are jobs she had at The Recorder’s Office in Plymouth, Essex Wire in Plymouth, Argos Post Office, Skystream Airport in Plymouth, and Botset Excavating in Plymouth. Retirement for her was in 1985; she still worked part-time for Skylane Apartments in Plymouth and was the treasurer/bookkeeper for Argos Bible Church.
One of Velma’s proudest moments was when she took flying lessons while employed at Skystream; she then soloed in a Cessna 150 2-seater plane. Her takeoff and landing were perfect. She enjoyed riding in various types of aircraft including a Lear jet and a Sikorsky helicopter. Most of her employment duties were clerical types. At one point, Velma joined her daughter and enrolled into Vogue Beauty College in South Bend. They both took state board exams and received their cosmetology and hairdressing licenses. Velma was a member of The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW, Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion, and Order of the Eastern Star. Velma attended Argos Congregational Christian Church (Argos Bible Church), and ParkSide Community Church where she was a treasurer.
People remember Velma for her sense of humor and gift of gab.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at ParkSide Community Church (225 S. Michigan St., Argos, IN).
The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Brian Trump officiating.
The burial will take place in New Oak Hill Cemetery (1300 Chester St., Plymouth, IN).
Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time. Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home is honored to be providing services in celebrating the life of Velma and wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the Harmon family. Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at: www.deatonclemensfh.com.
