Cover photo for Robert Grant Harkness's Obituary
Robert Grant Harkness Profile Photo
1935 Robert 2022

Robert Grant Harkness

October 18, 1935 — October 20, 2022

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Robert Grant Harkness, 87, of Abilene, TX, passed away on October 20, 2022, at his home.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 26, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 pm on Thursday, October 27, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, with Dr. Jeff Reid of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church officiating. There will be a private family burial at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

Robert (Bob) was born in Detroit, MI, to Mr. and Mrs. William T. Harkness on October 18, 1935. He married the love of his life, Carol Jane Aday, on October 13, 1957, in Hobart, OK. After service of 20 years in the United States Air Force, Bob retired as a MSgt. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a bomb nav systems tech, receiving many awards in numerous bombing competitions. After retirement, Bob was involved with starting several businesses, the last one being Thorne Electronics. Bob’s favorite past times were riding motorcycles with the Abilene Road Riders and attending to his dogs. His motto was “Yankee by birth; Texan by choice.” He referred to himself as “Longhorn.”

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and older brother and sister. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carol; daughter, Pam (Jeff) Melson of Georgetown, TX; daughter, Penny (Eddie) Davis of Abilene; three grandchildren, Robin (Todd) Alston, Aubrey (Adam) Peeler, and Grant (Morgan) Melson, and three great-grandchildren, Makenzie, Caden, and Taya, and numerous loved ones.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Keith Robinson, the Enhabit therapists and the staff and caregivers at Touching Hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Grant Harkness, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

The Hamil Family Funeral Home

6449 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, TX 79606

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Service

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Starts at 12:00 pm (Central time)

The Hamil Family Funeral Home

6449 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, TX 79606

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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