Ernest Harkins

Ernest Marion Harkins Funeral services for Ernest M. Harkins will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 30, 2006, at Benjamin Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Restlawn Cemetery, Coffeyville, Kansas. Services are under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Home of Nowata. Ernest Marion Harkins was born December 18, 1923, in Grove, Oklahoma, to Thomas Oliver and Florence (Coons) Harkins. He passed from this life at his home in Nowata County, Tuesday, June 27, 2006, after reaching the age of 82 years, 6 months, and 9 days. He attended school and graduated from Field Kindley High School, in Coffeyville, and Coffeyville Jr. College. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Area as well as the Philippine Liberation. Mr. Harkins returned to the Coffeyville area where he was a painting contractor for over 40 years. In 1988 he married Virginia Ruth York in Chelsea. They made their home in the Nowata area where they lived until his death. He was a member of the Lutheran Church in Chelsea, the American Legion, and Veteran of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed western dancing and taught western dance. He loved ranching and taking care of his cattle. He was a family man that held his family very close to his heart. His grandchildren brought him much joy and happiness. And you can't forget his dog, and cat. He treated them like his children. He will be missed by all who knew him. Preceding Mr. Harkins in death are his parents, brothers, Bud, Odell, and J.M. Harkins, sisters Hazel Bryant, and Helen Thompson. Surviving Mr. Harkins are his wife Virginia, of the home, sons David Harkins, and his wife Roberta, of Coffeyville, Kansas, Richard Froelich, and his wife Sharon, of Nowata, daughters, Sylvia Shipley, of Nowata, Pat Woldridge, and her husband Ron, of Claremore, 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, sister Dorothy Tidwell, of Odessa, Texas, brother Gene Harkins, of Sacramento, California, many other relatives friends and loved ones.

Service Details

Friday, June 30th, 2006 10:00am, Benjamin Funeral Home

Interment Details

Restlawn Cemetery