Donald Eugene Harkins

Lieutenant Colonel Donald (Don) Eugene Harkins, U.S. Army retired, passed away on July 27, 2013. Don was born August 12, 1924, in Sheridan, Wyoming. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. After the war he returned to his home in Missoula, Montana and earned a BA Degree from the University of Montana. In 1949 he joined the U.S. Army and served in Korea, Europe, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic and various posts in the United States. While in Korea he was awarded the bronze star with a "V" for valor: in Vietnam he was awarded a first oak leaf cluster to his bronze star for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile enemy. During his service he was also awarded a Commendation Medal with a first oak leaf cluster. He retired from military service July 1, 1967. He taught mathematics in the El Paso and Fabens Independent School Systems and at St. Patrick. He was elected Teacher of the Year while teaching for each of them. He never met a stranger, always leaving people with a smile.He enjoyed being called El Guapo for he was forever young, strong and good-looking. He was a life member of the Military Officers Association of America and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 812. He was also a member of American Legion Post 36, the Chosin Few, and the Ascarate Senior Golf Association. He was preceded in death by his father; Ernest Hawkins, mother; Doretta Miller and sister; Barbara Edwards. Don is survived by his loving and caring wife; Genevieve (Genny), his sons; Donald Harkins Junior and LTC (retired) Homer W. Harkins his wife Susana and their triplets Daniel, Donald and Carmen, his step-daughter; Dr. LTC (retired) Sharon Barentine and her husband Neil and his step-son; Reynolds Kiefer. He is also survived by his granddaughter; Sharla Bucknam and her children; Andrew Bucknam, Jessica, Kaitlin, and Justin Fuko. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Sunset Funeral Home-East Graveside services will be at 10 am Friday, August 2, 2013 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Humane Society of El Paso. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home- East.