Gerald Vincent Harkness

Harkness, Gerald Vincent

Passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. Born November 8, 1934 to Vincent Edward Harkness and Ruth Baker Harkness.

Jerry graduated in 1953 from Jackson High School where he excelled in football and baseball. He was employed at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. for 30 years before retiring. He served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959 where he served with the 593rd Field Artillery Battalion as part of the 7th Army in Germany. In 1960, Jerry married his wife of 59 years, Frances Elizabeth Wilkie in St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. In 1964 he began coaching the JV Team at St. Mary's where he "introduced" his players to "bear crawls." In 1966 he coached the track and field team, leading the team to the Lenawee County Championship on May 17, 1966. Jerry also coached the 7th and 8th grade football teams. He then moved to Jackson Catholic Middle School and coached the 8th grade football team where he earned the nickname "Coach Heartless." Jerry was the statistician for the for the Lumen Christi High School Hockey Team. In 2007 he was inducted to the Lumen Christi Athletic Hall of Fame. Jerry was an avid hunter and trap shooter. He was a member of the Goodyear softball team and trap team. He was also a member and board member of the Jackson County Sportsman Club.

Jerry is survived by his four children, Thomas of Ferndale, Gerald Andrew of East Leroy, Elizabeth of Jackson, and Leslie of Jackson; special daughter, Cheryl Dwyr of Ferndale; and his two sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Ralph Harkness; brother-in-law, Jerry Boyd; and niece, Kimberly Boyd.

A Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 9:30 AM at the Desnoyer Funeral Home followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church with Reverend Father Richard Eberle O.S.F.S. officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at St. John's Catholic Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Monday, July 29 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:30 PM.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 129 years