The Richmond News, Dec. 1, 2023

Shirley Harmon

Shirley Dean Harmon, 78, of Fleming passed away Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City. Shirley was born July 21, 1945, in Henrietta, the daughter of Everett and Thelma Geneva (King) Gardner. She was first married to Larry Hunton. To this union, their two daughters were born, Kim and Darla. He preceded her in death. She was then united in marriage to Gary Hunt. To this union, Dena was born. He preceded her in death.

Shirley then married Melvin James Harmon of Wood Heights in September 2014. He survives of the home.

Additional survivors include two daughters, Darla Oberfoell of Cole Camp and Dena (Ron) Bradley of Liberty; two stepdaughters, Tammy (Jeff) Parker of Plattsmouth, Neb., and Tracy Marin of Kansas City; a stepson, Gary E. Hunt of Richmond; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Shockley, Ashley Hunton, Courtney Bradley, Austin Coleman, Justin Coleman, Seth Oberfoell and Caleb Powell; two great-grandchildren; and a son-in-law, Wayne Shockley of Kansas City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; daughter, Kimberly Shockley; great-grandson, Josiah Robert Ellison; and three brothers, James Gardner, Albert Hewitt and June Hewitt.

Shirley was reared and educated in the area of her birth, first attending grade school in Henrietta, then graduating in 1963 from Lexington High School.

She was a housewife and homemaker, and worked outside of the home, selling insurance and annuities.

Shirley was Miss Lafayette County in her youth. She had a great love for horses and traveling. Shirley enjoyed attending her kids’ sporting events, especially basketball. Her faith was incredibly important to her. She loved her Lord and Savior.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Children’s Mercy Hospital or the donor’s choice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and funeral services were held Thursday, Nov. 30, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with the visitation beginning at noon, followed by the services at 1 p.m.

Burial was in Richmond Memory Gardens. Please share your memories of Shirley with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.