Junior was raised in Schell City and graduated from Schell City High School in 1967. For many years he worked as a heavy equipment operator at the land fill in Independence, MO. He also farmed and raised cattle on the family farm all of his life. In 1968, Junior began playing Santa Claus for family, friends, and the surrounding communities. In December of 2021, he made his last appearance as “Santa” for Community Betterment in Schell City, completing 53 years of dedication to the community that he loved.
Junior’s many memberships included, Schell City Community Betterment, Schell City Volunteer Fire Department, longtime member of the Schell City Masonic Lodge #448, Bacon Township Road Board, Schell City Alumni Association, and was a Boy Scout Leader. He was also a longtime member of the Schell City Christian Church.
Junior was a frequent customer at Madalyn’s Kitchen where he was known for his “no no’s”. He was also known for his love of International Tractors. Some of his favorite mottos in life were, “Push, Push, Push”, and “Don’t Get Excited It Won’t Do No Good”.
Survivors include one daughter, Arlinda Johnson, El Dorado Springs, MO; two sons, Kevin Harms (Sue), Harwood, MO, and Randy Harms (Tracy), Harwood, MO; daughter-in-law, Bobbie Harms, Schell City; 10 grandchildren, Heather Haddix (Kirk), Jake Harms (DeLisa), Ashley Baer (Rob), Tamara Brannan (Zach), Katryna Leach (Ryan), Jeremiah Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Justin Pursley (Jennifer), Jonathon Pursley (Jennifer), and Kimberly Minor (Steven); 22 great-grandchildren; and one niece, Linda Robinson (Art). In addition to his wife, Bonnie, Junior is preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law, William and Anna Bailey; his sister, Betty Blakely; and a nephew, Larry Harms.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, February 18, 2022 at the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral in Schell City. A graveside committal service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City with Pastor Roger Beach officiating.
Memorials are suggested in his memory to Schell City Christian Church – King’s Kids, or the Schell City Alumni Association c/o Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City.
