Robert Grant Harkness

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.