Paul Henry Harms, 90, of Shawnee, KS, passed away January 21, 2017.  He was born August 31, 1926 in Cole Camp, MO., the son of Louis and Alma Harms.

Paul joined the Army in 1945 after graduating from Cole Camp High School.  He served as an aircraft mechanic and commissary clerk in the Philippines until the end of the war.  After being discharged from the Army, he married Florence Simon in 1950 and they moved to the Kansas City area where Paul started a career with General Motors.  Paul was employed at General Motors for more than 30 years.  Following the death of his first wife, Paul married Norma (Forehand) DeHart in 1965.  They raised their blended family of 8 in Shawnee, Kansas.  Paul was a hard worker and was always willing to help others.  He spent many hours volunteering at his church, Shawnee Church of the Nazarene, doing whatever was needed.

His friends, neighbors and family members always knew they could call on him for any kind of help and he would be right there ready to help in any way he was needed.  After retiring from General Motors in 1979, Paul enjoyed refinishing furniture and was always on the lookout for a badly damaged piece that he could restore.  He took great pride in his talent and spent hours in his garage working on all kinds of furniture pieces.  Paul's faith and his belief in Jesus Christ were a very important part of his life.  He studied the Bible faithfully and never hesitated to share his beliefs with others and to give council and advice based on the scriptures.  He was ready for this final step and passed from this life into the arms of Jesus with a smile on his face, surrounded by many friends and family.

Besides his first wife and parents, Paul was preceded in death by his sons Victor Paul Harms (2008) and Kenneth Ray Harms (2011) and a stepson Ronald R. DeHart (1979).  His three sisters Berniece, Virginia and Margaret also preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife Norma of the home, brother Louis Harms, Jr. of Independence, MO; sister in law, Ellen DeHart of Marshfield, MO; daughter, Paulette Peterman (Karl) of Altura, MN; stepdaughters, Donna DeHart (Michael) of Gardner, KS and Connie Basel (Brian) of Overland Park, KS.  He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.  The family would like to thank the staff of Sharon Lane Nursing Home for the loving care they provided Paul for more than 4 years.

Visitation and Services

Burial will be on Saturday, March 4th at 2:30pm at Shawnee Mission Memory Garden with a memorial service following at 4:00pm at Shawnee Church of the Nazarene, 5539 Quivira Rd, Shawnee, KS 66216.

Memorial Contributions

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Shawnee Church of the Nazarene, 5539 Quivira Rd, Shawnee Mission, KS 66216.