Alfred G. ``Al'' Harms, 85, of Champaign, passed away Aug. 19, 2006, following an extended recovery period from heart surgery.

Born on Oct. 4, 1920, in Minonk, he traveled the world extensively but always remained a proud resident of Central Illinois.

A member of ``The Greatest Generation,'' he served as a naval aviator flying PBM Mariner aircraft throughout the Pacific during World War II.

After the war, he graduated from the University of Illinois and then farmed for many years near Monticello. He later served as a professor of agricultural economics at the University of Illinois, including multiple overseas assignments to India, Africa and South America.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tjark and Lilly Harms, and his brothers, Eldon and Marvin.

He is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Marcia (George) Edwards, Austin, Texas; sons, Alfred (Gina) Jr., Sanford, Fla.; and Thomas (Maggie), Greeley, Colo.; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many friends and relatives.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. June 14 at St. Paul's Church of Christ, Minonk. Interment in Minonk Township Cemetery will follow. The family requests no flowers and that donations be made in his name to the American Heart Association under the direction of Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 Philo Road, Urbana, IL, 61802, (217) 367-1122.