Donald Harkleroad (1926 - 2018)

Ancestors

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Chelle Shonkwiler [send private message]

Biography

Donald was born in 1926. He was the son of Ted Harkleroad and Katherine Peterson. He passed away in 2018.

Donald Gus Harkleroad, 91, a longtime resident of Rainier, Oregon passed away on July 3, 2018 at his home. He was born on Nov. 30, 1926 in Portland, Oregon to Ted M. and Katherine Elsie (Peterson) Harkleroad. He attended Benson High School in Portland, Oregon.

During the depression years like many young adults, Don picked produce in order to help supplement his family’s income. From there, he tried his hand in construction work as a laborer for a short time. In 1943, Don became a welder for Commercial Iron Works.

In January of 1945, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan until September of 1946. He was a Medium Tank Crewman and was assigned to Cannon Company, 4th Infantry Reg. and the 35th Infantry Division. His duties included radio operations and communications. He also fired weaponry, including a cannon and .50 caliber machine guns. He was honorably discharged in November of 1946. He later re-enlisted into the Army Reserve of the U.S. Army National Guard in 1953 and earned the rank of Sargent. He served until 1956.

Once Don returned to civilian life, he began his career with the city of Portland before retiring in 1984.

Don met the love of his life, Ethel Nelarine Hinkle, and they married on June 14, 1947 in Oregon City, Oregon. She preceded him in death on Jan. 7, 2001 after 53 years of marriage.

Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, caring for strays around the farm, working on cars, bird houses, or anything that needed fixing but he loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his sons, Larry (Susan) Harkleroad of Astoria, Oregon and Neil Harkleroad of Rainier, Oregon; daughter Julie (Dennis) Bledsoe of Castle Rock, Washington; seven grandchildren, 17 greatgrandchildren and eight great-greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Katherine, his wife Ethel and son Keith.

There will be a graveside service on July 14, at 11 a.m., at Neer City Cemetery, Rainier, Oregon. Reception to follow at The Big Green in Rainier, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Colorectal Cancer Alliance, 1025 Vermont Ave NW, Suite 1066, Washington, D.C. 20005.

Arrangement were made by Groulx Family Mortuary of Rainier.

Sources

• https://www.thechiefnews.com/obituaries/donald-gus-harkleroad/article_8909f9e8-86f1-11e8-a02c-9ffdf1f59b61.html

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/228682248/donald-gus-harkleroad : accessed 19 June 2021), memorial page for Donald Gus Harkleroad (30 Nov 1926–3 Jul 2018), Find a Grave Memorial ID 228682248, citing Neer City Cemetery, Goble, Columbia County, Oregon, USA ; Maintained by Chelle Shonkwiler (contributor 47309738).