Roll Call Tribute

Sullivan Funeral Home obituary
1801 Houston
Vernon, TX 76384
940-552-6234

Gary Don Harkey
December 29, 1961 - June 9, 2017

Gary Don Harkey, 55, of Vernon, Texas went to his eternal home on June 9, 2017. Gary Don was born December 29, 1961 in Lubbock, Texas to Tom and Joyce Harkey. He graduated from Rotan High School in 1980 and attended West Texas State. He continued his studies at Texas A&M University where he received his Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and his PhD in Animal Science. Gary Don was a proud Fighting Texas Aggie and a lifelong learner.

Gary Don married Betsy Leatherwood on June 7, 1986. They just celebrated their thirty-first wedding anniversary with a vacation affectionately dubbed the 'Wild West Adventure," traveling up through New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah. The couple has one son, Logan

Dee Harkey of Canyon. At the time of his death, Gary Don served as the Dean of Instructional Services at Vernon College. He worked at Vernon College almost thirty years and filled several roles there, always working to help his students meet their goals inside and outside the classroom.

It is hard to describe Gary Don without mentioning his faith. He served as an Elder at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Vernon, Texas. One must also include his love of family and friends. Nothing made him happier than spending time with Betsy and Logan, and he encouraged and supported Logan in all of his endeavors. He served on many rodeo committees and boards in various associations, and treated every kid as his own. Gary Don also loved hunting and spent as much time as possible pursuing that love. No one told hunting stories better. More accurately, perhaps, but not better.

So many young people saw Gary Don as an example of the kind of person they hoped to become. He was an excellent teacher, but an even better man. Gary Don loved life, loved people, and loved bringing laughter to those around him. All who knew him were blessed to be a part of his life.

Gary Don Harkey was preceded in death by his father, Tom Harkey. He is survived by his wife Betsy and son Logan. He is also survived by his mother Joyce Harkey, sister Joyce Lynn Grange and husband Chad, father and mother-in-law Kenneth and Janice Leatherwood, sister- in-law Amy Jarrett and husband Earl, and brother-in-law Dee Leatherwood and wife Pam. He leaves behind nieces and nephews: Mindi Grange Knocke, Matthew Grange, Jay Jarrett and wife Meagan, John Jarrett and wife Bridgett, Jed Jarrett and wife Carrie, Ashley Keith, Cory Keith and wife Katie, and Tate Leatherwood. He will also be greatly missed by aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, June 19, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Vernon, Texas with Rev. Paul Neuberger officiating. Immediately following the service, in the church Activity Center, there will be a celebration of Gary Don's life to share memories and fellowship together.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vernon College, or a charity of choice.