Callis Harms

Callis R Harms 1926 ~ 2014 Callis R Harms, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and husband passed away Saturday, June 21, 2014. Callis was born in Thatcher, AZ, on March 18, 1926, to Walter and Lola Richardson Harms.

He graduated from Thatcher High School, Gila Jr. College, and BYU. He also completed a Doctorate at Arizona State University. He served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Navy, during WWII, where he served in the South Pacific. Callis is the second of eight children, born of goodly parents. From his youth, Callis championed a happy home. His willingness to love and serve began early on in his life and has been magnified through adulthood. Callis married his beloved sweetheart, Marlene Lowry, on June 3, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2002. Callis struggled to handle his heartache, when Marlene passed away in 2008. Their legacy of conviction to gospel principles, despite the trials of life, will forever be remembered. Callis enjoyed a successful 35 yr. career as an elementary school teacher, principal (twice), and as a professor at Brigham Young University, in the College of Education; the Department of Educational Administration; the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Science (he wrote two text books: How to Write a Dissertation and Research Design); and in the College of Religion. He was a gardener, woodworker, avid gospel reader and stellar family historian. He was a master teacher and was happiest when sharing the 'good news of the gospel' and the joy it brings. He touched the lives of countless people with his gospel knowledge and inspiration. He truly strived to live a Christ-like life in every way. Above all, he was a beloved father and grandfather. Callis is survived by his children: Arthur Harms (Delaine) of Orem, UT; Aliece Magnusson (David) of Carpinteria, CA; Adele Sears (Michael) of Ventura, CA; and Adrienne Peterson (Troy) of Highland, Utah. He leaves 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by all of his siblings: Lorene Crockett of Safford, AZ; Carolyn Crockett of Pima, AZ; Pauline Wallin of Orem, UT; Marvel Stradling of Pima, AZ; Lynette Layton of Central, AZ; Lorin Harms of Tempe, AZ; and Stephen Harms of Mesa, AZ. Callis was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission in the Central Atlantic States Mission (1948-1950). He also served as a Bishop in the Orem, Utah 20th Ward (1964-1971). He and Marlene served 3 missions together: Germany East Berlin Mission (1992-1994), SLC Temple Square Mission (1999-2001), and at the LDS Church Museum of History, in SLC (2001-2003). Callis served in various other Church capacities; and he spent the latter part of his life serving in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. Family and friends are invited to the Viewing, at Noon, on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at the Lakeridge 3rd Ward Chapel, 950 S. 50 E., in Orem. The Funeral will start at 1 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., at the Orem City Cemetery, 1500 North 800 East. In lieu of flowers, Callis would have suggested that you add to your fast offerings, or donate to the LDS missionary fund.