Robert Duane “R.D” Harmon

Robert Duane “R.D” Harmon, formally of Texas, passed away on May 24, 2024, at his home in Plainville, KS, at the age of 73. He was born on July 3, 1950, to Duane and Wilma (Ginther) Harmon in Garden City, Kansas.

R.D. grew up in Logan, KS and graduated from Logan High School in 1968. He later attended and graduated (1972) from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics and Marketing degree. He was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, a student senator, student body president and student body finance chair. After graduating from Kansas State University, he moved to Hays, KS and started a meat packing business, which eventually led him to Alaska. After about a six month stay, he decided to head south to Guadalajara Mexico. On his adventure, R.D. made a few stops along the way. One which included Grants Pass, Oregon where he met Lorrie (Gustafson) Brous. Throughout this union came a step-son and four children: Matthew, Jarrett, Rusty, Laramie, and Rowdy. In September of 1978 they made their home in Logan, KS where R.D. operated Harmon Enterprises, and then eventually moved to the family farm south of Logan to run the day-to-day operations. During that time, R.D. and Lorrie also ran the Trading Post Cafe in Logan, as well as the VFW in Stockton, and then Rowdy’s Bar and Grill in Hill City in 1993.

In 1995, R.D. decided that his dreams were too big for the small-town life, and took to the road for the greater duration of the remainder of his life. He resided in many places throughout the years, marketing his business ventures and start-up ideas. He later ended up in Tyler, Texas where he loved to call home because of the fair weather all year round. When his health took a turn, his children helped move him to Plainville, Kansas.

R.D. always enjoyed hunting, fishing, entertaining and cooking. He was always ready for a good time and that usually included a meal and good company. If you have ever attended a dance or a celebration that was organized by R.D., you knew it was going to be a great time. R.D. also enjoyed raising livestock, and breeding and training horses.

R.D. is survived by his children, Matthew (Mandi) Brous, of Hays, KS, Jarrett (Jacque) Harmon, of Plainville, KS, Russell (Amanda) Harmon, of Hill City, KS, Laramie Harmon, of Hill City, KS, Shane “Rowdy” (Desiree) Harmon, of Hill City, KS; 15 grandchildren; siblings, Cindy (Rex) Hill, of San Antonio, TX, Tam (Marc) Kemper, of Logan, KS, Marla (Bill) Ashmore, of Logan, KS, Chuck (Jody) Harmon, of Garnett, KS, Trina (Antoine Britten) Harmon, of Nashville, TN.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his Uncle Teddy Joe.

A celebration of life service will be held on June 21, 2024, at the Cowboy Junction in Hill City, Kansas. There will be a social hour starting at 5pm and service to follow shortly after. Please join us to celebrate the life of R.D. Harmon by honoring him with a live band and a true “Rowdy’s” fashion party later in the evening.