Robert Arlyn Harms

Dr. Robert Arlyn Harms passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, at Providence Homes Plus, after a long, brave battle with Parkinson’s disease. Bob was born on December 6, 1936, to his parents, Nathan and Alieda Harms, in Wichita, KS. At the age of 6, he contracted polio, but survived and lived a full life despite some ongoing physical limitations.

He graduated from Wichita North High School in 1955, and from Southwestern College in 1959, majoring in Social Sciences. He then moved to New York City to study at the Union Theological Seminary and obtained a Masters in Divinity degree. However, he chose not to pursue the ministry, and instead worked in several social service jobs in New York City for the next several years. In 1973, he moved to Grand Forks, NS to pursue his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of North Dakota. He completed his Ph.D. in 1982. He then moved to Topeka and worked as a psychologist at Family Service and Guidance Center of Topeka, Topeka State Hospital, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, and then in private practice. He retired in 2016 at age 80.

Bob was married to his first wife, Deirdre Birch in 1967, and two children were born to this union, Rebecca and Emily. This marriage ended in divorce in 1978.

Bob met Elizabeth Bergmann during graduate school in North Dakota, and they married in 1983, after moving to Topeka. Two more children were born, Madeline and Ari.

Bob was known as a caring, thoughtful, quietly humorous man. He was modest to a fault. He was dedicated to his family and his work. He bore his increasing debility with grace and acceptance over his last years. He loved KU basketball. He enjoyed learning about history, politics, and world affairs. He was a member of Temple Beth Sholom, where he was active in the Social Action Committee, and in Adult Hebrew classes.

Bob will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Elizabeth Bergmann-Harms, and by his beloved children, Rebecca Harms (Clarke Beard) of Marion, IA, Emily Harms (Jerry Melchor) of New York City, and Madeline Harms (David Graham) of Duluth, MN. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ann Beattie, of Wichita, KS. Also surviving him are his four wonderful grandchildren, Jacob and Samantha Melchor, Ava Beard and Esther Harms-Graham. He will be missed as well by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in law, and sons-in law, as well as nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Ari Harms.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the staffs of J&J’s Caring Hands, Enhabit Home Health, Interim Hospice, and Providence Homes Plus for their loving care and support.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Temple Beth Sholom of Topeka, KS, HIAS, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 19, 2026 at Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66610.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Temple Beth Sholom of Topeka.