Ron Harkey

Byron Erwin Harkey, Jr.

In Memorium:  Passed away on December 6, 2009

The following was published in the Daily Oklahoman on December 13, 2009

Byron E. Harkey, Jr., 67, let go of this life last Sunday, supported and surrounded by his close family and friends. "Ron" was dressed in his beloved orange and black of OSU when he was greeted by many other family and friends at the gates of heaven. To hear him speak, those gates would be somewhere around Boone Pickens Stadium. Ron was an active member of the OSU "Posse" and all Cowboy causes. When not in orange, Ron was decked in camo under a blind in a remote location waiting for duck, deer or dawn. Ron was never at home, spending most of his time at OSU athletic events of every kind, or hunting. If lost, you could always locate him at the largest tailgate party in the area. Ron graduated from Classen High School in 1960, thereafter attending Oklahoma State University and OCU Law School. He spent several years as an income tax auditor, retiring quite young to travel and live life. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, The Masonic Lodge, The Elks Club, The Oklahoma City Ski Club, National Rifle Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, the Oklahoma City Gun Club and the Playboy Club. Ron was a staunch Republican (over which he'd argue vehemently with his little brother, Mike). It should also be noted that Ron will be missed as a sustaining sponsor of Eskimo Joe's in Stillwater, as he was the proud owner of the largest collection of Jumpin' Juke Joint T-shirts on the globe. Ron loved to travel with his brother to his sister's home in Kansas City or California and loved to spend time with his nephews in Eureka Springs when they were young. His big heart is attested to by his many great friends, all of whom visited or contacted him to the last, especially Martha Seabolt and Bryan and Wilma McDaniel, who were by his side during his darkest moments. Ron is survived by his sister, Susan Frogge of Kansas City, MO and her husband Jim Frogge (who Ron considered a real brother); and his brother, Michael Harkey and his wife Angela of Oklahoma City; niece, Bess Harkey; nephews, Sean, Austin and Jet Harkey, and their mother, Claudia Noyes; nephews, Mark Frogge and wife Leigh, Greg Frogge and wife Elain and Scott Frogge and wife Molly; great-nieces, Emma Leigh, Caroline, Hannah, Lindsey and Maggie Frogge; and great-nephews, Luke and Michael Frogge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Oklahoma State University Foundation for athletic scholarships fund, PO Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076