Larry Harshman

Larry Nelson Harshman, age 80, of Pittsfield, Illinois and formerly of Mt. Sterling, Illinois passed away at 9:39 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2020 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.

He was born January 26, 1940 in Griggsville, Illinois the son of William P. and Stella Eileen Roberts Harshman.  He married Carol Ashby on June 2, 1961.  He later married Janet Irene Feld Peacock on May 30, 1975 in Mt. Sterling, Illinois and she preceded him in death on December 12, 2007.  He then married Vicki Lowry Wade on June 14, 2008 in Pittsfield, Illinois and she survives.

Larry graduated from Griggsville High School with the class of 1957 and then graduated from Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in music education in 1961.  While attending Olivet, he also enjoyed participating in a traveling quartet.

Mr. Harshman was a devoted music and chorus instructor for the Brown County School District for over 30 years, retiring in 1993.  Larry spent years teaching music lessons to children and adults and he enjoyed directing drama productions such as “Oliver” and “The Music Man” at Brown County High School.  He was also involved in other musical productions over the years and simply loved the time he spent with his students. 

Mr. Harshman was truly a musician.  He could play a wide variety of instruments, had a beautiful voice, but nothing compared to his piano skills.  Larry could sit down and play all genres of music and had wrote many songs over his lifetime for church and family members.  He also enjoyed woodworking and had built several pieces for his family such as shelves, bookcases and quilt racks. 

Mr. Harshman also was very active in the community.  He was involved in Brown County Little League from 1974-1980 and was one of many that helped get the program involved with the Little League International.   Larry had also worked at the Mt. Sterling Golf Course and John Wood Community College after his retirement. 

He was a member of the Pittsfield Church of the Nazarene, a former member of the Presbyterian Church of Christ in Mt. Sterling and also enjoyed sharing his talents by playing piano at the Pittsfield Nursing Home on occasion.    

Survivors include his wife Vicki Harshman of Pittsfield, Illinois. Father-in-law, Walt Lowry of Pittsfield, Illinois.   5 children, Laurel Soykin (Gary) of Arnold, Missouri, Jennifer Greene (Robert) of The Ozarks, Missouri, Cris Hall (Greg) of  Missouri and Leigh Ann Boylen (Kent) of Mt. Sterling, Illinois and John Harshman (Andrea) of Texas.  4 step sons Doug Wade (Mary) of Florida, Ryan Wade (Kisha) of Chandler, Arizona, Brad Wade (Rachel) of Wentzville, Missouri and Adam Wade (Frenny) of Eagle River, Alaska.  1 brother Kevin Harshman (Nancy) of Indianapolis, Indiana.  1 sister Kathy Owen (Edward) of Jacksonville, Illinois.   14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren also survive. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 son William L. “Billy” Harshman.  

We know that Larry deserves a beautiful tribute and understand that under normal circumstances many friends would love to attend.  But sadly due to the current health situation and the limitation on gatherings of only 50 people, the services are to be conducted with only family members in attendance.

Friends are encouraged to watch Larry’s services streaming live at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2020 on the funeral home website at hendrickerfuneralhome.com. 

We also encourage the community to leave a condolence or remembrance on the website for the family.

Private burial will follow in the Mt. Sterling City Cemetery.

There will be no visitation. 

Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s School, Brown County Music Boosters and Relentless Youth Group Fund at Pittsfield Church of Nazarene.  may be left at or mailed to the Hendricker Funeral Home, 406 South Capitol Avenue, Mt. Sterling, IL 62353, The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is in charge of the arrangements.

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