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Donald "Don" R. Harman, 62, of Mount Gilead, Ohio passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026. He was born on November 29, 1963 in Columbus, Ohio to Carol (Fleming) Harman.
Don, also known as "Rug Head," was a 1982 graduate of Mount Gilead High School. Following his graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an HVAC specialist. During his military service, he was stationed in Germany, where he had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. He later worked as an engineer for Kroger for over 30 years.
Don was a man of many talents and interests. He rarely sat still. He enjoyed collecting bourbon, golfing, cooking, grilling, and smoking meats for family and friends. He also took great pride in gardening and canning the fruits of his labor. He was a devoted Ohio State and Cleveland Browns fan. Don loved spending time outdoors, especially mowing the lawn and caring for his yard. He took special pride in keeping his new truck spotless, washing and buffing it every week. A gifted handyman, he could fix just about anything. He was always tackling home improvement projects.
Don had a passion for sports and for giving back to his community. He coached Mount Gilead Youth Football, eventually serving as the head of the program, where his teams won several championships. He also coached his sons in T-ball and football, creating countless memories along the way. A talented athlete himself, Don held several track records at Mount Gilead, including one that will never be broken. He always claimed his "rug head" was what helped him to run faster. He was also a history and military enthusiast who enjoyed learning about the past. Above all, Don cherished his family, and the time he spent with them was the greatest joy of his life.
On May 16, 1987 he married Debbie J. Lyons, who survives in Mount Gilead.
In addition to his wife Debbie, Don is survived by two sons, Clayton (Kelsey) Harman of Centerville, Ohio and Steve (Brooke Garbark) Harman of Dublin, Ohio; a grandson, Landon Harman; and brothers Jeff Harman of Marion, Ohio and James Harman of Mount Gilead, Ohio.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister Michelle Harman.
Friends may call on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Gompf Funeral Home, 440 Center Street in Cardington. A graveside service will take place at 12:45 PM in Rivercliff Cemetery with full military honors. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Ronald McDonald House Charities, Attn: Development Department, 711 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43205.
Gompf Funeral Service of Cardington is honored to have been chosen to assist the family of Donald "Don" Harman. Condolences may be expressed to his family at www.gompffh.com.