John Clayton Harmon, 87, from Vancouver, Washington passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.

John was born August 8, 1936, in Lexington, South Carolina to Harvey and Mertie Harmon where he grew up on the family farm with his brothers Jimmy, Charles, Sam, Joe, Paul, and Dan.

From 1954 to 1958, John proudly served in the United States Air Force as a radio operator and was honorably discharged as an Airman First Class. While stationed in Sacramento, California, John met his first wife, Lois Anne MacDonald, and during their marriage had three children, Debbie, John, and Bob.

After military service, John went to work for Regal Service Stations starting as a service station attendant or "gas jockey." During that time, John was featured in the local newspaper for extinguishing a pump fire saving the gas station. John then embarked on a successful career at the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) and quickly made his way up the ranks through middle and upper-level management positions where he served the rest of his professional career until his retirement in 1995.

During his tenure with ARCO, John met his second wife, Pamela Laikind, and together had three children, Angela, Brian, and Barbara. The family moved to Vancouver in 1993.

Following his retirement from ARCO, John continued to contribute his expertise as a consultant and was instrumental in creating the ARCO AM/PM brand and converting existing service stations to AM/PM's. He was also instrumental in establishing the first ARCO AM/PM in China.

John was an avid fly fisherman and took many trips to Montana and Wyoming with long-time friend Al Olsen. He was a lifetime San Francisco 49er fan and could often be heard cheering, then cursing, at the TV – many times during the same game. A devout member of St. John's Catholic Church, John actively participated in various church functions and had a passion for serving others. He was very involved with the Knights of Columbus where he dedicated his time selflessly in support of their mission to defend, serve, and protect families. He used his faith and many years of management experience to ensure the annual crab feed dinner, the Kids' Christmas Stocking, 4th of July fireworks stand, and monthly pancake breakfast were successful.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Pam, and his brothers Sam and Paul. He is also survived by his six children: Debbie, John, Bob, Angela, Brian, and Barbara, along with 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.  John was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Mertie, and his brothers Jimmy, Charlie, Joe, and Dan.

John was also blessed with many extended family and friends whose lives he touched.

Service will be held on:

Monday, January 29, 2024, at St. Johns the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8701 NE 119th St, Vancouver, WA 98662.

10: 30 am Rosary

11:00 am Funeral Mass

A reception will take place in the Parish Hall

Followed by Inurnment at:

St John the Evangelist Catholic Cemetery, 10770 NE Maitland Rd, Vancouver, WA 98686

Please join us in honoring the life of John Clayton Harmon, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorials may be made to:

Knights of Columbus

Council # 12983 St. John the Evangelist

C/O Phil Virgin, Financial Secretary

12503 NE 45th Avenue

Vancouver, WA 98686