ELLSWORTH – Milton Albert Harmon Sr., 82, died Sept. 27, 2005 at his home. He was born June 13, 1923, on Hadley Lake, East Machias one of 13 children born to Keller F. and Frances H. (Huntley) Harmon. Milton graduated from high school at Washington Academy, East Machias at the age of 16. He then went into the service serving in the U.S. Coast Guard from June 1942-Feb. 1946. After he left the Coast Guard he moved to Ellsworth to be near his mother. On Sept. 7, 1947, he married Avis Kane. Milton and Avis were married for more than 58 years. Milton and his brother, Howard, started Harmon’s Texaco of Ellsworth which was located at the current Sargent’s Real Estate building. Howard left the business to pursue an interest in upholstery so Milton and Avis became the sole owners. In 1967 the location moved to 220 High St. Many thought that Milton was crazy to move to such a location. The business thrived with sale of tires and the car wash and grew into Harmon Tire as it exists today. Even after their son, Albert, took over as owner in 1972 Milton continued to work at the business. He was a generous community member. When his children were in school he always allowed them to use the car wash to help support any fundraising projects. In 1971, Marcelle, Milton’s daughter took a great interest in horses. Not having a barn to house the horse, she brought the horse to Harmon’s. Milton’s interest in horses turned into a yearly fundraiser for the local Lion’s Club to benefit the eyeglasses program. Milton later became a member of the Lion’s Club for more than 20 years. This program still continues today. Milton was a past board member of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and he and Avis received the Top Draw Award in 1993. The honor was made even more special with their son, Stephen, building the award himself. Milton was a dedicated community member and was always contributing to others. Milton loved his family, work and the Ellsworth community. He was a very dedicated husband, father and businessman. He will be truly missed by his family and close friends. He is survived by his wife, Avis (Kane) Harmon; a son, M. Albert Harmon Jr. and wife, Barbara, of Hancock; a daughter, Marcelle Marble and husband, Butch, of Topsfield; a daughter-in-law, Christine Harmon of Bow, N.H.; two brothers, Keller Harmon of Marshfield and Howard Harmon and wife, Jeanette, of Cherryfield; two sisters, Josephine Corbett and husband, Percil, of Cutler and Leona Roberts and husband, Adelbert, of Poland; five grandchildren, Mary-Beth Inforati, Suzanne Harmon, Gabriel Harmon, Stephen Harmon and Ashley-Lynn Marble; two step-grandchildren, Jay Fernald and Stephanie Buzzell; four great-grandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Stephen S. Harmon in 1997. Friends are invited to visit with the family 2-3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at Maine Coast Baptist Church, Ellsworth where a celebration of Milton’s life will follow at 3 p.m. with Pastor Gerry Dill presiding. Interment will be at Woodbine Cemetery, Ellsworth. Those who desire may make contributions in Milton’s memory to the Maine Coast Baptist Church, Deacon’s Fund (for benevolent purposes), P.O. Box 327, Ellsworth, ME 04605 or the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 163 Lancaster St., Suite 160B, Portland, ME 04101. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.
MILTON A. HARMON SR.
