Vernon Ray Harkins

Vernon Ray Harkins entered the gates of Heaven on January 7, 2022, and was joyously reunited with his beloved wife, Clara, his daughter, Brenda, and his son, David, along with a host of other family and friends passed on before him.

Vernon was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on March 10, 1934. Vernon married Clara on January 30, 1954 in Midland, Texas, and had 5 children who he stated were his reasons for living. Vernon was a skilled and respected draftsman, working in the oil industry until his retirement. He was a faithful servant, father, husband, son and friend, and his loving guidance and direction will be sorely missed by his family and friends. His faith and belief in Jesus remained strong until his last breath. His final sage advice to his children was, “Never stop learning.”

Left to mourn his passing are his daughters, Becki Tomamichel and husband, Mark, Julie Cobb, and Johanna Elmore and husband, Eddie, along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Harkins, his mother, Irene Harkins Bawcom, father, William Harkins, Sr., brother William Harkins, Jr., his son, David Harkins, and daughter, Brenda Saunders.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 14, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Church services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 7 Cities Church, 5110 West Illinois Avenue in Midland, Texas with Pastor Curtis Benninghoff and Pastor Scott Foster officiating. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. on January 15, 2022, at Resthaven Memorial Park. Pallbearers are Eddye Elmore, Scott Foster, Will Saunders, Justin West, Greg Cessna and Robb Linstedt.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.