Montezuma - Donald Ray Harms was born to Harry and Gladys Caldwell Harms on December 6, 1935 in Gratiot County, Michigan. He departed this life on July 14, 2022 at Bethel Home, Montezuma, reaching the age of 86 years. His early years were spent in Michigan where he was converted and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on January 23, 1949 by Minister Jesse Johnson. He remained true to his vows throughout his life.

In November 1949, he together with his family moved to the new congregation in Walnut Hill, Florida, where he helped his father on the farm. On November 17, 1957 he married Doris Mae Dirks at Montezuma. Soon after they were married, they went to Greasewood, Arizona for his 1-W service. During this time their first son was born. After returning to Walnut Hill, he continued with farming until moving to Montezuma in July of 1986. He found employment as the maintenance man at Bethel Home. He enjoyed and appreciated this job for a number of years. Due to Mom's health during this time, they moved into the new 400 wing of the Bethel Home. They went on a number of sightseeing trips which they both greatly enjoyed. Dad's dedication and commitment to Mom during her years of needing extra help was commendable. Mom passed away on October 6, 2010. Two years after her passing, Dad moved to Bowersville, Georgia to live near his son Calvin. He resided there for seven years. He very much enjoyed and appreciated the North Georgia congregation. They held a special place in his heart. He then returned to Bethel Home for the remainder of his life.

Singing was a big part of Dad's life and he gained much inspiration and encouragement from it, the Christian Hymnal being especially precious to him. He also enjoyed helping others learn to sing. The many years he was able to serve as youth leader were enjoyable and fulfilling for him. Dad's life was not always easy but by God's help he found the strength and fortitude to accept hardships and keep a pleasant attitude. Many found our Dad to be an encourager, filled with grace. We are comforted to know that he is now at rest with God.

Those left to cherish fond memories are his children, Galen and Andrea Harms, Davisville, Florida, Calvin and Sonya Harms, Bowersville, Georgia, Jana Harms and Joe Muniz, Montezuma, Kansas; seven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; three sisters, Dorothy Benner, Ruthie Benner, Thelma and Gerald Boeckner; sister-in-law, Janis Harms; along with many nieces and nephews. His parents, three brothers, one sister, and one great grandchild preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Monday, July 18, 2022 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Charles Schmidt, Craig B. Koehn, and Kalvin Salsbury. Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery in. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Sunday, July 17, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com .