Alfred G. "Al" Harms, 85, of Champaign, formerly of Minonk, passed awayat 12:15 p.m. Saturday, (Aug. 19, 2006) at the Carle Arbours Nursing Home, Savoy, following an extended recovery period from heart surgery.

Born 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 Universityof 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; a daughter, Marcia Edwards (George) of Austin, Texas; sons Alfred (Gina) Harms Jr. of Sanford, Fla., and Thomas (Maggie) Harms of Greeley, Colo; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many friends and relatives.

There are no services at his request.

The family asks that donations be made in his name to the American Heart Assocation under the direction of Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 Philo Road, Urbana, IL 61802, (217) 367-1122.