J. D. Harsin

Funeral services for J.D. Harsin, 86, Topeka, were March 15 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel in Topeka. Burial was in Vinland Cemetery.Mr. Harsin died Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka.He was born May 17, 1921, in Walnut Valley, Iowa, the son of Gilbert and Irene Harsin. He graduated from Knoxville High School in Knoxville, Iowa, in 1939. He lived on the family farm in rural Lawrence since 1975 before he moved to Topeka.Mr. Harsin served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS Brownson as a fire control man 2nd class. He worked in the insurance industry as a salesman for Security Benefit and John Hancock life insurance companies. He then became an agent for Prudential Life Insurance Company. He was inducted into the Chartered Life Underwriters Association in 1968 and the Million Dollar Roundtable in 1972. He worked for Prudential for 35 years and retired in August 1984.He was a member of the Arab Shrine, Scottish Rite, Masonic Lodge 225, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1650, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion Post 1. He sang in many local choruses and choirs. He was a former deacon and member of First Presbyterian Church of Topeka.Survivors include his wife, Shirley Harsin, Topeka; a brother, Willis, Knoxville, Iowa; two sons, Jayson P., Paris, and Jared, Topeka; and a daughter, Stephanie Harsin-Ade, Topeka.The family suggests memorials to Midland Hospice Care or the USS Brownson Memorial, sent in care of the funeral home, 1321 Southwest 10th St., Topeka, KS 66604.