1938-2025
A Favorite Moment with My Dad
This afternoon, around four o’clock, my father went to be with the Lord.
While the pain of losing him feels overwhelming, I take comfort in knowing that he is now truly at peace, resting in the presence of our Savior.
My dad was a remarkable man, full of compassion, with an incredible sense of humor that could brighten any day.
He wasn’t just a father to three children – he chose to adopt two of us, giving us a home filled with love, care, and unwavering devotion. He taught us so much about selflessness, kindness, and what it means to take care of those you love.
One of my favorite memories with him happened about 15 years ago on a mule deer hunt in New Mexico.
After he shot his deer, we sat together on the side of a hill trying to figure out how we were going to get it out. As we talked, a group of elk came out below us, with a bull bulging in the distance. It felt like something out of Field & Stream magazine.
My dad turned to me and said, “This is almost like heaven.”
Today, I’m sure he’s sitting on the side of that mountain again, looking at those elk with his good friends, Daryl DeRusha, and his brothers, Dave and Andy. And this time, everything truly is all good.
As we grieve, I’m holding tightly to the promise of 2 Corinthians 5:8 that reads, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
I know this isn’t goodbye forever – it’s just a temporary separation until we meet again in heaven.
Thank you for your prayers, love, and support as we navigate this loss.
Please keep our family in your prayers as we hold onto God’s peace and cherish the incredible memories of the man we were blessed to call Dad.
With love,
Eric Harwell
Jeff Bryan Harwell, 86, passed from life on Monday evening January 6, 2025, at his home with his loving wife by his side. He was born on July 26, 1938, in Navarro County to Amos Harwell and Francis Bryan Harwell. He owned and operated an auto parts store in Corsicana for a number of years and then went to work for the City of Corsicana at the water treatment center. An avid hunter he enjoyed being outdoors enjoying the beauty of God’s creation with his family.
Jeff is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Peggy Harwell, son Eric Harwell & wife Nanette, daughter Nikki Harwell & daughter Nancy Chaney & husband Richard as well as his siblings Nell Holt, Richard Harwell, Ollie Harwell & wife Nina, Margaret Harwell, Dan Harwell & wife Darla & sister-in-law Carol Harwell. Grandchildren: Bryan Harwell & wife Jenee, Clayton Turner & wife Kayse, Ashley Simmons & husband Alex, Dakota & Shyanne Matthews & Connor Chaney. Great-grandchildren Robert Harwell, Kasen & June Turner. Along with numerous nieces, nephews’ family members & friends.
He is reunited with his parents Amos & Francis Harwell, his siblings David Harwell, Elizabeth Harwell & Andy Harwell as well as his brother in-law William Holt & sister-in-law Christine Harwell & granddaughter Madalyn Hughes.
Graveside services were held Sunday afternoon, January 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at New Chatfield Cemetery in Chatfield, Texas.
Funeral arrangements were conducted by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.
