David Charles Harmon

David Charles Harmon
Des Moines

David Charles Harmon, a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserves and U.S. Army Reserves, passed away on May 17, 2025, at Harmony Home in West Des Moines, Iowa.

David was born on February 22, 1945, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to David and Maria Harmon. He grew up and attended school in Marshalltown, graduating from Marshalltown High School in 1963. On June 10, 1965, David married Karen Ross; they divorced in 1976. On October 17, 1976, David married the love of his life, Margaret “Maggie” Pardee at the V.A. Chapel in Des Moines, Iowa.

At the age of 19, David enlisted in the United States Navy Active/Reserves. Entering the military in 1965, David proudly valued his service and attained the rank of Storekeeper First Class (SK1) as a Petty Officer First Class (E-6) rank. As a part of his service in the U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay, Subic Bay, Philippines was his home for annual training. With the 20 years of Naval service, David served one week, ship board, a constant land lubber as he didn’t know how to swim. David also served for one year with the United States Army Reserves. While he was still serving in the U.S. Navy, David was also an employee of the United States Postal Service and worked as a mail sorter in the Des Moines metro area. He went on to retire from the USPS after 42 years of employment. Toward the end of his postal years, David was very active with the American Red Cross, working with disaster teams, and the Des Moines Amateur Radio Association, assisting with events around Des Moines, including the Iowa State Fair parade and also talking with amateur radio operators around the world. David was well known by the call-sign NOTPQ.

Maggie will always remember that David started out as what was thought as a tumor. David’s mother, who was in her 40’s when David was born, didn’t know that she was pregnant. Christy would remember David whistling songs to her. David also enjoyed cross stitching and doing crossword puzzles from the newspaper.

David is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Margaret Harmon; his daughter, Christy (Robert) Forbes of Des Moines, Iowa; his son, Shane (Tami) Harmon of Florida; his granddaughter, Virginia Forbes; his nephew, Ralph (Karla) Harmon of Boone, Iowa; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

David was preceded in death by his beloved parents, David and Maria Harmon; his brother, Merle Harmon; and his sister-in-law, Maxine.

Family will be greeting friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Hamilton’s Westown Funeral Home; 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. A funeral service honoring David will be held immediately following the visitation at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. David will be laid to rest on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery; 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive in Adel. Naval military honors will be provided by the Iowa Patriot Guard riders and the Veterans of Foreign Wars POST 738.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Grace Church.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

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