Richard Allen Harkins, 68 years, of Hamilton, passed away Friday, February 9, 2018 at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home, Fort Wayne, Indiana, with his family at his side. Richard was born June 26, 1949 in Plainview, Texas, the son of Richard and Sadie (Russell) Harkins. He was a 1967 graduate of Lubbock High School. He received his Associates Degree from Ivy Tech. Richard served our country as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. During the Viet Nam War. He married Carol Bode on February 3, 1973 in Havelock, North Carolina, and she survives. Rick worked in Industrial Maintenance and as a computer technician until his retirement. In his retirement he enjoyed running the floor sweeper at Menard’s. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Fremont as well as the Angola Moose Lodge. He was involved in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as his boys grew up. Richard enjoyed robotics, mud runs and vacationing in addition to wine tours with Carol and Scotch tastings with the boys. He truly treasured the time he could spend with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Surviving is his wife Carol of Hamilton; two sons, Kevin (Maria) Harkins of Dallas, Texas, and Cory (Lindsay) Harkins of Fishers, Indiana; three grandchildren, Harper, Stella and Graham Harkins; one sister, Callie Hairgrove of Clarendon, Texas, and one brother, Russell Harkins of Lakeview, Texas.
A Celebration of Life Service for Richard Harkins will be held at 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2018 in Peace Lutheran Church, 355 East State Route 120, Fremont, Indiana 46737 with Rev. Jeffrey S. Teeple officiating. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 3:00 p.m. Friday with a luncheon prior to the Celebration of Life. A toast for Big Rick will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Rose Bros. Pizza in Hamilton. Arrangements are under the care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 3985 East Church Street, Hamilton, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to Visiting Nurse Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814.
Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com