Bernard Emmett "Butch" Harkin

Born in Alliance, NE, Butch was the son of Donald Harkin and Blanche Main Harkin. He received his bachelor of arts in English and Physical Education from Chadron State College in northwest Nebraska and earned a master’s in Education Administration from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. He taught English and was the wrestling coach at Crawford High School. He served in the same positions at Yuma High School in Yuma, AZ. Butch was owner and general manager of a Family Fitness Center in Yuma and worked as a district manager and agent for Prudential Insurance Company. His last career was with American Airlines where he retired at age 75 after 20 years as an aircraft mover. Butch was an avid biker and ran several races and marathons and also enjoyed snow skiing, writing and reading.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Donald I. Harkin and Gail L. Harkin (Romelle).

Survivors include wife, Dorothy Mae Harkin; children, Heather Fitzpatrick, Megan McKee, and Michael Harkin; stepchildren, Christopher Bedinger and Julie Rogers, Phillip Massingale, Patricia Cockrell and Danny Massingale; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nephews, Todd Harkin and Brad Harkin; nieces, Leigh Ann Harkin, Kim Harkin and Mickey Harkin; several cousins.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.