Obituary for Robert “Bob” Harkins

Robert “Bob” Louis Harkins

October 31, 1947 – July 18, 2017

Robert Louis (Bob) Harkins passed away on Tuesday morning at his home in Ponca City, OK. He was 69 years old. He was born to Floyd Leslie Harkins and Wilma Florence Merie on October 31, 1947 in Ponca City. He grew up in Kaw City where he excelled at sports. He had a special talent for basketball and baseball. Go Redhawks! He graduated from Kaw City Schools in 1966.

Bob joined the work force when he was only 12, taking a position as a janitor at the Kaw City Nursing Home. He worked most of his adult life as a welder. He was a member of the local 767 plumbers and pipefitters union. The union has merged and is now the local 430. Bob’s family would like to ask all of the brothers from the 430 to be honorary pallbearers at his service.
Bob married his high school sweetheart, Vicki Ann Dew on May 21, 1966 in Kaw City. The couple raised two sons. They had a delightful life together; she preceded him in death on October 28, 1987. Bob had the fortune of having two great loves in his life. On August 11, 1989 he married his beloved wife, Gloria Kaye Burkett. Not only did he gain a wife he also increased his family by two step children.

Bob was a man who enjoyed many leisure activities. He was fond of bowling and going to auctions. Bob savored raising cattle and spending time with his grandkids. He was also known to spend his time restoring antique cars and trucks. One of his favorites is a ’32 Model A Ford Pickup. One of his most well remembered past times include fishing. He was an avid outdoorsman who had a knack for catching fish. He even had a secret fishing spot also known as his ”Honey Hole.” Bob was a superior home chef. If you ever left his home hungry there must have been something wrong. Some of his best recipes include: Mamas Homemade Rolls, Bar-B-Q Sauce, Goulash containing everything but the kitchen sink, Chili, Apple Butter and Potato Soup.

One day a special little yellow dog showed up at the Harkins home. The dog decided that Bob was his person and followed him around everywhere he went. Bob tried to be practical and vowed the dog would never come into the house. Then one rainy night the little dog was hiding up under the Airstream trailer and Bob couldn’t stand to see him so wet and cold. So just for one night Bob brought the dog in the house. Soon it began to grow cold as winter approached. Bob decided just for the coldest weeks the dog should be allowed in the house again. He assured Kaye that is was just a temporary arrangement. I bet you can guess how that turned out. They named the dog Shadow because of the way he followed Bob around, just like his shadow. Shadow is a very significant member of the Harkins family.

Bob was a very loving father and grandfather. Those he left behind are blessed with the gift of knowing and loving him and being loved by him. He will always be in their hearts and a part of their lives. The family of Bob Harkins was the most beloved thing in his life.

When Bob spoke of his funeral he would say how he didn’t want a sad sermon, instead he chose to be remembered for the fun times. It was his wish that those who knew and loved him stand up and tell a special story about him or share a funny memory.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kaye of the home; two sons Todd Harold and wife Shawn Harkins of Ponca City and Terry Louis Harkins of Dallas, Texas; one stepson Randy and wife Amy Furber and one step daughter Stephanie and husband Allan French all of Ponca City; five grandchildren Jared and Tori Harkins, Joey Furber, Lane and Dakota French; five brothers Ted, Keith Ralph, Ronnie and Kennith Harkins and one sister Bonnie Ake.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, his parents, siblings Floyd Wesley Harkins, Peggy Lee Potter, and an infant brother Eugene Harkins.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Grace Memorial Chapel on Thursday, July 20th from 12 to 8p.m. and Friday from 8 am to 8 pm. The family will be present to receive guests on Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 22nd, at 10 a.m. at Grace Memorial located at 2016 N. 14th Street in Ponca City. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City. The casket will be transported to the cemetery by way of his 1932 Model A Ford Pickup driven by a family member. The other family members will also be driving many of his antique cars and trucks in the procession. The family would like to invite anyone person who has a vintage automobile to join in the procession along with them.

Online condolences can be paid at www.gracememorialchapel.net