Truman Neill Harkins' Obituary
Truman Neill Harkins 1929—2012 Truman was born July 12, 1929 to William Carl and Julia Etheline Harkins in a small farmhouse in the west Texas community of Wilmeth. He attended Wingate's elementary and secondary schools and was a graduate of Wingate High School. Truman was also a graduate of Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas and attended Texas Tech University. In 1952 his family moved to a farm outside Diamond, Missouri where Truman managed and operated the family dairy. While in Missouri, he was active in the MFA's of Monett and Joplin. Truman met his future bride Mary Lou Skinner at Diamond Methodist Church and they married on June 28, 1953. Two years later, Tulsa welcomed Truman and Mary Lou with open arms. Truman began working for Earlougher Engineering while studying petroleum engineering at Tulsa University. His work ethic, accuracy, and insights were valued so highly that each time the company sold, seven times in total, he was asked to stay on as an employee. Living his life accordingly, Truman loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Will Rogers United Methodist Church since 1960. He served as an usher, was an active member of United Methodist Men, and after three visits to the Crusaders Sunday School Class became a lifelong member. Along with serving on several boards and committees at Will Rogers United Methodist Church, and helping with Meals-On-Wheels, Truman went on several mission trips including those to Mexico and Israel. Knowing Truman means you know he was always willing to assist wherever there was a need, be it church, family, friends, neighbors, or strangers... it also means that you have a special 'Truman Story'.
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