Philip Milton Harmon

Philip Milton Harmon, 92, of Rigby, Idaho passed away at his home on Thursday, February 29, 2024. He was born October 18, 1931 in San Jose, California, the son of Wesley Lavier Harmon and Helen Virginia Gordon Harmon.

Philip graduated from Hollister High School in Hollister, California. He continued his education at BYU in Provo, Utah and Idaho State University, in Pocatello, Idaho. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War assigned to the United States Navy Band where he was the concert master for the US Navy Band in Asia, he played the clarinet. After retirement from the United States Navy, he joined the Idaho National Guard and then the Army Reserve.

On March 17, 1955, Philip married Coy Michie in Manti, Utah in the Manti LDS Temple. Together they served multiple senior missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had many opportunities to serve in the church, being a primary teacher was his favorite. He was still helping in the primary up to when his sweetheart passed away a year ago.

Philip kept himself busy. He taught English at Brigham Young University Idaho and formerly when it was known as Ricks College. He taught for the Church Education System and taught school in Samoa.  During the summers he would work as a park ranger in Yellowstone Park and as an officer with the Rexburg Police Department in Rexburg, Idaho.  His musical talents were not just held to the clarinet, he was an accomplished singer who had many opportunities to share his talent.

Philip is survived by his children; Carol (Michael) Whitten of Meridian, Idaho, Sharon Harmon, of Sandy, Utah, Beverly (Kenneth) Vian of Rigby, Idaho, Gordon (Pam) Harmon of Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia and Scott (Michele) Harmon of Idaho Falls, Idaho. He has twenty grandchildren, forty-seven great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Coy Harmon, Son, Philip Wesley Harmon, Brother, Donald Gordon Harmon, and three great grandchildren; McKean James Whitten, Jonathan Michael Whitworth and Abigail Charlotte Wahl.

A funeral service will be held for Philip on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM in the Rigby LDS 5th Ward Chapel (258 West 1st North, Rigby, ID 83442). The interment will be in the Rexburg City Cemetery following the service.