Frederick Herman Harms, 81, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away Thursday, June 28, 2018. A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 10th at Faith Community Church, 102 SW 9th Street, Oak Grove, MO 64075. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association in his name.
Fred was born May 13, 1937, in Concordia, Missouri, the son of Richard and Freida (Kűck) Harms. A 1955 graduate of Concordia High School, he moved to Oak Grove after his marriage to Fay. Fred became a fixture in Oak Grove, Eastern Jackson County, and Lafayette County, and was known as the guy to call if you
needed a tow truck in 1970’s and 1980’s. His time working the 24/7 tow service at the Skelly station for Joe Seward, and later for Ernie Campbell, allowed him to be the go-to guy for the highway patrol, MODOT, and many jurisdictions, as well as many years at the I-70 racetrack in Odessa. When not running the wreckers, Fred spent years turning wrenches as a mechanic in numerous shops working for others, in partnerships, or for himself. He built a reputation as one the best in area. In the mid 90’s, he hung up his Craftsman set to enjoy retirement. Time was spent with his wife of over 50 years, Nita Fay (Grote) Harms, and his family. The last few years, with declining health and being home bound for the most part, he still enjoyed marathons of Farkle, a dice game, with any and all who dared challenge his skills.
Fred passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, exactly 5 years to the day after his wife. Also preceding him were his parents; three brothers: Gene, Benjamin, and Franklin Harms; and one sister, Mary (Harms) Tucker.
He is survived by two sons: Randy and Jeana Harms of Cabot, AR, and Darrin and Valerie Harms of Blue Springs, MO; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers: David and Steven Harms; two sisters: Ann (Harms) Crailieus and Ruth (Harms) Charles; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441