03/11/2008
J.D. Harsin, 86, of Topeka, Kan., died March 11, 2008, at Midland Hospice House
in Topeka. Harsin was born on May 17, 1921, in Walnut Valley, the son of Gilbert
and Irene Harsin.
He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1939. ” In World War
II, he served on the USS Brownson as a fire control man second class. After finishing
his term of service in the US Navy, he attended Drake University in Des Moines.
He had a long and prosperous career in the insurance industry, working as a salesman
for Security Benefit and John Hancock life insurance companies, before becoming
an agent for Prudential Life Insurance. Company.
In 1905, he was inducted into the
Chartered Life Underwriters Association and into the Million Dollar Roundtable in
1972. After 35 years with Prudential, J.D. retired in August 1984. He was a member
of the Arab Shrine, Scottish Rite, Masonic Lodge 225, VFW Post #1650, DAV, and American
Legion Post #1.
He sang in many local choruses and choirs and enjoyed performing
and listening to music throughout his life. He was also a former deacon and member
of the First Presbyterian Church of Topeka.
He is survived by his wife Shirley Harsin,
Topeka; brother Willis Harsin of Knoxville; and three children; Dr. Jayson P. Harsin and Meagan Zimbeck of Paris. France; Stephanie Harsin-Ade and David Ade, Topeka;
and Jared and Danelle Harsin, Topeka.
He left the world with a song in his heart
and offered the advice, “Enjoy yourself- it’s later than you think.”
Funeral services
were held on March 15 at the funeral home. The interment was on March 15 at the Vinland
Cemetery Southeast of Lawrence.
Memorial contributions may be given to Midland Hospice
Care or to the USS Brownson Memorial and sent in care of the funeral home. Online
condolences may be made to penwellgabel.com.