February 25, 1933 - August 1, 2014
Judge John Norman Charles Harkey was born February 25, 1933 to the late O.J. Jr. and Margaret Fleming Harkey and died August 1, 2014.
Harkey is survived by his wife of 55 years, Willa Charlton, formerly of Fayetteville; two children, Judge John Adam Harkey of Batesville and Sarah Ashley of Springdale; four grandchildren, Autumn Jones, Alex Mayfield, Brad Mayfield, and Hannah Harkey; two great-grandchildren; a half-brother, J.B. Arnold; numerous cousins, and several beloved nieces and nephews. His stepfather, J. Burton Arnold Jr., preceded him in death.
He attended school in Hardy among other schools before graduating Batesville High School in 1950. He earned an associate's degree from the Marion Military Institute in Alabama in 1952. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and attended Officer's Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia where he became one of the youngest Marines commissioned officers in 1953. He was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant after having served during the Korean War.
Following Harkey's military service, he attended Arkansas College (now Lyon College.) He graduated in 1959 from the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville and began working as a deputy prosecuting attorney and was elected prosecutor for the old 3rd Judicial District. A lifelong Democrat, Harkey was selected by Republican Governor Winthrop Rockefeller to be Insurance Commissioner in 1967. He was a founding member of Arkansas chapter of the Arkansas Civil Liberties Union. The majority of his private practice was spent in Batesville. He practiced law with M.F. Highsmith, Bill Walmsley, John Belew, Leroy Blankenship, and Tim Weaver, in addition to his son, Adam Harkey.
In 1988, he was chosen as a Special Justice to the Arkansas Supreme Court, later served as Juvenile Judge, and was elected Circuit Judge for the Sixteenth Judicial District of Arkansas in 1992, serving until his retirement in 2008 shortly before his 76th birthday. During his retirement, he continued to enjoy hunting, fishing, playing checkers, and pursuing his interests in history and politics.
Throughout his life, he had a deep and abiding interest in helping others and was a mentor to many people, whether loved ones or complete strangers. He was a fan of the H.L. Mencken quote: ''If after I depart this vale, you have pause to think of me and wish to please my spirit, forgive some sinner and wink at some homely girl.''
Services will be held Tuesday August 5, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Independence County Courthouse in Batesville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Old Independence Regional Museum, 380 So. 9th St. Batesville, AR 72501, the Independence County Humane Society of Independence County, P.O. Box 3477, Batesville 72203, or charity of your choice.
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74 Condolence(s)
Allen martin
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Very sorry for ur loss, stay strong Adam, my bro in arms. Prayers r with u n family.
JOHN DAILEY
Sunday, August 10, 2014
I haven't seen or talked to Norman since moving away 42 years ago. Yet he still is a major player in my fond memories of Batesville. He was a good friend. My condolences to the family.
Jan Burrow Qualls
Friday, August 8, 2014
I will miss you !! I know you and dad are playing a a game of checker's --I love you --Jan
JoAnna Denton-Baker
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Love and prayers always
especially during this time
of great loss. JoAnna
Greg and Pam Ade
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Prayers from all of us at Rays Garage
Noel & Carlean Lewis
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Judge John Norman Harkey was a kind, great & brilliant man. He is loved by all & will be missed by all.
Jan Landers
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. May God surround your family with his love and comfort. With love and prayers.
Dana (Bagby) Vannatter
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Sorry for you loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Connie Cash
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Russ/Mary Amos
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
He knew how to work a courtroom. He will be missed
by all. A good friend to have. Wila, Adam & Sarah
we are praying for you.
Karen Williamson McShane
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
On behalf of my parents, Barbara and Dick Williamson, their sadness of hearing that John passed on , asked me to express their deepest sympathy and for you to know you are in their thoughts and prayers at this time.
Gary Stroud
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
On behalf of The Independence Co. Ch. of the NWTF our prayers are with you during this difficult time, may GOD bless.
Gary Stroud/Keith Harmon/Tracy Wallis.
Sharon Cramer- Collier
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Deepest sympathies . I have fond memories of Judge Harkey coming into the tiny restaurant across from the courthouse in Batesville. Hearing his voice bellow " good morning" to all the lawyers, patrons that were regulars or not. My fondest is the day he came in asking me if I every dressed a turkey? I joked replying, " Well, depends were he's going John!" He'd bagged the most beautiful turkey I'd ever seen that morning ! You will be missed Judge! Sharon
Alicia sanders
Monday, August 4, 2014
Such an amazing man! You will be missed greatly!
John Bell
Monday, August 4, 2014
Depending upon the merits of my case, I often left Judge Harkey's court wishing he had ruled differently, but I never left thinking he was wrong. That's a legacy he has passed on to the current Judge Harkey. My condolences on your loss and I salute Judge John Norman Harkey on a remarkable life, well lived.
Larry,Dolores and Sonia West
Monday, August 4, 2014
Willa and family, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful person and friend to have. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
FloraCarey R. N.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Willa, Adam Sarah. So sorry for your loss. John was a kind. giving person. He helped me yrs. ago and I will always appreciate him. May he rest in peace. God bless you.
Dr. Kenny and Lynne Wyatt
Monday, August 4, 2014
We are so sorry about the loss of Judge Harkey. He was a very kind and loving person, and he will be greatly missed.
Sheilla Linn Wammack
Monday, August 4, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss.
Shelia Harkey Roberts
Monday, August 4, 2014
Miss Willa,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Dad spoke of John coming to visit us down in Sherrill and in England. He was a wonderful kind man.
Jack B Harkey
Monday, August 4, 2014
So many wonderful memories of John coming down to visit me when we lived in Sherrill, AR and in England, AR. He was a fine man who had a wonderful sense of humor.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Jack B "Bud" Harkey, Stuttgart
(870)659-7360
Shetron
Monday, August 4, 2014
What is in a name? John Norman Harkey is a name that brings me closer to my Father (Kenneth Skinner) and to my Uncles., it's a name that demands respect, it's a name that told great stories(especially if you are a little girl) it's a name I could call when I needed help, it's a name that will never belong to anyone else. John Norman Harkey will always be a great man in my life, even though he is gone he will never be forgotten. Jessica Skinner Shetron
Richard C. Huff
Monday, August 4, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Richard & Michelle Huff
Charles & Anne Allen
Monday, August 4, 2014
Willa, Words do an injustice in explaining how much John Norman will be missed. He will remain very alive in our memories and admiration. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Charles and Anne Allen
Carolyn Gray
Monday, August 4, 2014
So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen Wooldridge
Monday, August 4, 2014
Willa, Adam and Sarah,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Judge Harkey was one of my most favorite people and I will never forget how helpful he was. He was a true gentleman and always brighten up the office when he came in. I will remember hearing him with his turkey caller and seeing him at the Co-Op in the green Bronco with the dogs when I was riding with Danny(my late husband) in the spreader truck. Danny though so much of him also. My thoughts and prayers are with you .
Karen
Laura, Bruce and Natalie Baldwin
Monday, August 4, 2014
We will miss Papa Harkey and are so glad to have had our recent visit with him. Bruce and I have fond memories of him performing our marriage ceremony, and I am so glad Natalie was able to know Papa. We loved him dearly and will be thinking of you and sending our thoughts.
Jim & Jennie Leonard
Monday, August 4, 2014
Willa and Family,
So many memories of you and John Norman. I will be praying for you during this difficult time.
Diane Breazeale
Monday, August 4, 2014
Willa, thinking of you and your family,
Diane
Johnny Mitchum
Monday, August 4, 2014
Some "friends" are only there when you're riding a high point in your life. If Norman was your friend, he was there during good times and bad. He never changed. I wish more people were like that. Condolences to Willa, Adam and Sarah. The Judge will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Bobby
Monday, August 4, 2014
I was a witness in his court many times and never dreaded being there as I knew he gave it his best. In tense times, when I came to testify, he would visit with me for a little while talking about surveying astronomy and shooting the north star. I realize this was sort of an Andy Griffith action to let everybody cool off a little.
This worked for him and it will still work today. Thank you judge for your service to mankind.
Lisa Drake
Monday, August 4, 2014
Praying for the Harkey family. So sorry for your loss.
Charlie Cole Chaffin
Monday, August 4, 2014
Time moves rather slowly as we pass through. Then when we look back, it moved way too fast. I do remember our association in the 50s. And all the political help through the years. And from time to time, seeing an article or letter that he wrote in the newspaper. Nothing ever diminishes a friendship. Love to you, Willa. Honor to John Norman.
Charlie
Paul & Diana Balentine
Monday, August 4, 2014
So sorry to hear of the passing of Judge John Norman Harkey. We have fond memories of when he sat on the bench in Stone County. He was an honest man. We pray for his family in this time of sorrow. Lord, give this family the peace & comfort they so need in this sorrowful time. In Jesus most holy name we pray.
Bill Worsham
Monday, August 4, 2014
John Harkey was a great man. I miss our drives around after court watching the eagles, turkeys and deer. And, the visits we had with Gene Maguffee while we were out. Practice playing checkers because I'm going to win when we meet again. Goodbye old friend.
Kay Wolford Longenbach
Monday, August 4, 2014
Judge Harkey was one of a kind. He will be missed greatly.
Jackie Hall
Monday, August 4, 2014
He was there for me during a special period of my life, guided me through some tough times and I am so grateful I was able to talk with him for one last time a few weeks ago. He was a special person never to be forgotten. Love to Willa Adam and Sarah
Jackie
Greg Bryant
Monday, August 4, 2014
Adam, my sincerest condolences. Greg Bryant
Paula and David Grimes
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Our warmest thoughts go to the family of a great man. He was brilliant, funny, and loved people. He will be missed by many.
Sharon Harris
Sunday, August 3, 2014
I am glad to have known you.
Randy and Polly sanders
Sunday, August 3, 2014
You will be missed, you were a great friend.
Shannon Jacobes
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Prayers to the family as I have know you since I was just a little girl. I pray that God will wrap his arms around you giving you all strength and comfort during this time of need. Adam, Keep your head up and continue to make your father proud! God Bless Each one of you!!!
Johnny and Toi McMullin
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bil and Marilyn Cash
Sunday, August 3, 2014
I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Judge Harkey. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Harkey, Adam, Sarah and their families.
Ronda & Travis Prothro
Sunday, August 3, 2014
May God wrap his loving arms around this family during your time of loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Odus Fulmer
Sunday, August 3, 2014
I am truly sorry for your loss. He was the one man in Independence County for whom I had the greatest respect. When our paths crossed at the courthouse, I always saluted and said "Good morning, Sir". He was always kind and considerate and I will miss him.
Flora Carey .
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Willa& children.So sorry of the loss of John. He will be missd. A well respected man. He was helpful to me and my family a few times and I will be forever grateful. We have AAdam in our prayers and hope his recovery is short. God Bless all of you .
Juanita Felts
Sunday, August 3, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. He did great things for the judicial system. I appreciated his help with Mock Trial.
John T. Harmon
Sunday, August 3, 2014
John Norman and I along with
Don Smith who was Securities Commissioner while John Norman was Insurance Commissioner chased the crooks at Arkansas Loan and Thrift in 1968. My Mother, Pansy Harmon of Bethesda and John Norman worked together to get folks in Bethesda the city water. JohnNorman was always a friend to me and my parents, Adler and Pansy Harmon. So sorry for the family's loss.
John T. Harmon
Conway, Ar
Robin Young-Parish
Sunday, August 3, 2014
What a very sad time for the Harkey family. I'm so sorry for your loss. This world sure lost a special man. I pray that God wraps His arms around each of you & gives you comfort & peace. Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers. To Adam; May you carry your Dad's legacy with pride & I'm sending you many hugs & love. RIP Judge Norman Harkey.
Young family
Sunday, August 3, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim Hensley
Sunday, August 3, 2014
A sad day. Judge Harkey was the first Judge I met in Court as a new attorney. He knew I was unsure and made me and my client feel comfortable. Years later we would laugh at the experience. Judge Harkey commanded respect with his knowledge and true insight of a case and the law. He certainly earned the title of "Your Honor." So sorry for your loss. Know that all your friends are saddened too.
Resa Bolin
Saturday, August 2, 2014
I always enjoyed waiting on him in our office. His stories were such a delight to hear. Prayers are being uplifted for his family and friends.
Krisi Sellers Everetts
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Judge Harkey gave me my Mom and Judge Adam gave me my Dad.. I will forever be greatful. HE gave me a wonderful life when he signed my adoption papers and I thank you both so much. He was a wonderful man.
Jeff and Lorelei Everetts
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Judge Harvey was a special man. They broke the mold when he was born and this world will be a sadder place now that he is gone. He will forever be in our hearts and you the family in our prayers
Cindy Gray Wallace
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Willa, Adam & Sarah so sorry to hear about Norman. I have great memories of him teaching Brandon how to play chess. Sending prayers and hugs to you all.
Steve Purtle
Saturday, August 2, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss.
The Purtle Family
Randel Sterling
Saturday, August 2, 2014
RIP Judge Harkey, I've always had the up most respect for this man and he will be missed by so many of us, My thoughts and Prayers go out to the Harkey Family in this time of a great loss.
Bruce & Susan Southard
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Sarah Hays Rick Van Grouw
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Ms Willa and Adam, Rick and I send our condolences. There won't be another one like Judge Norman. He was good to us.
Bill and Cindy Nelson
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Bill and I are so sorry for your loss.
Kitty Skinner Wilson
Saturday, August 2, 2014
May God Bless you and keep you during this time. I know he and Dad are up telling turkey stories now!
Mark Sneed
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Of all Great Men a race with time is always on. You do for all and receive great praise. As you embark on your next journey you will be missed. Mark Sneed
Melanie Kettner
Saturday, August 2, 2014
I am praying for your family during this most difficult time. Judge Harkey was such a wonderful friend to my parents and to me as well. God bless all of you.
Joline Riley Birrow
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Olen and Norman were best friends for many years --Norman was like part of the family and we have a million stories we could tell about them.. He is the only man that my husband called "His friend" My heart is broke and my thoughts and prayers are with all the Harkey's ---The Olen Burrow Family --Joline--Jan --Justin--Julie and Daniel-- John
E. Abe Lincoln
Saturday, August 2, 2014
SEMPER FI
Janet Fetters Tosh
Saturday, August 2, 2014
I am soo sorry for you loss. I am here if you need Anything. Prayers and prayers for the Harkey family. He will be missed.
Sue Roberts Griffis
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Sorry for your loss. When I think of Norman, I see him sitting @ a checker board with my Dad or Grandfather. He earned the respect of almost everyone, as a lawyer, judge, or checker player. He will be missed.
C. Milligan-Hughes
Saturday, August 2, 2014
What a great Man! RIP!
Joline Riley Birrow
Friday, August 1, 2014
So so sorry for your lost..Please let me know if I can help... In the Burrow Familys thoughts and prayers
Jan Burrow Qualls
Friday, August 1, 2014
Judge Harley was one of the best men I know --He was to another Father -I don't recall not knowing him and he was the only man MY Father Olen Burrow -Called Friend.... My thoughts and prayers are with the Harkey Family---- Jan Burrow Qualls
Mrs. Nelda Kennedy
Friday, August 1, 2014
May God bless you in your sorrow.
He was one of the smartest men I have ever
known. He was always a southern gentleman
in every way.
He was a great friend to Ed and I, and was
always there to advise us. and always gave us good advise.
Nelda Kennedy
Quitman, AR
Alma Ward
Friday, August 1, 2014
Dear Harkey Family, So sorry to hear about Norman's.passing.
Ed and I thought so much of him. He was so kind long ago when we needed him
. I'm out of town but my thoughts and prayers will be with you . Also i pray Adam, will make a full recovery .God Bless each of you.
I am sure he and Ed, are catching up in Heaven
Alma Ward
Julia Reed
Friday, August 1, 2014
So sorry for your loss. My God be with you family.