George Daniel Harney, 87, of Ponca City, passed away on September 29th, 2022 with his family, in the comfort of his home.

He was born on October 12, 1934 to Ronald Gilbert and Frances Irene (Fussell) Harney in Tonkawa, Oklahoma.

His Family moved several times throughout his childhood most times to get closer to his mother’s doctors.

George graduated from Middle School in Dacoma, Oklahoma. He remained in Dacoma to finish the 9th Grade (1949) while his family moved to Alva, Oklahoma. While George was living alone, one of his teachers checked on him from afar by confirming that smoke was rolling from the chimney. After completing the 9th grade, George joined his family in Alva and continued High School.

While in school, George and his older brother sought employment to help support the family. At age 16 George worked at a Conoco Gas Station wearing green stripe coveralls and attending to the various automobiles that came through by pumping gas, checking oil and washing windows. A family with two young boys that lived on a farm in Castleton, Kansas asked George to come work for them and haul hay. George went to live with the family, hauled hay, and continued working for them while he finished High School doing whatever they needed done including nannying their two boys. George graduated from Castleton High School in 1952.

George was a “superstar” athlete in school participating in basketball, baseball and track.

After High School, George moved back with his family who were now in Uncas, Oklahoma where he farmed, did carpentry and other odd jobs for a period of time. Once, a Dairy Farm lost electricity and he went to help milk by hand. The Dairy Farm Owner, impressed by his extreme diligence and work ethic, recommended that one of his friends who worked for Conoco hire him. George went to work for Conoco in 1953 and retired with 40 years of service.

For Conoco, he started working in the Exploration Research Division. His early responsibilities as a Test Engineer included collecting and processing seismic data using state of the art “Vibro-Seis” technology. There were a few times that he asked Programmers to develop specific code to help him do his work more efficiently. Finding that he was low on the priority list, he taught himself computer programming which allowed him to transition to a Senior Research Computer Scientist. He Retired in 1993.

On May 6th, 1955, George married the love of his life, Linda Jonell (Wittmer). They had three daughters-Lynetta, Anita and Tammy and spent 66 wonderful years together.

George enjoyed teaching Sunday School and holding the role of Jr High Sunday School Superintendent for several years in the ‘70’s. He and Linda coordinated many extracurricular parties (e.g. skating, egg hunts, Halloween) to expose young teens to Christianity and learn about Jesus Christ and salvation-John 3:16.

George and Linda spent most of their summer weekends chasing Softball Tournaments that their daughters played in. George served as coach in some seasons and tournaments. If he wasn’t coaching he was spectating and mentoring.

Vacations for the family included camping at nearby lakes, Conoco Family Trips, travels to California, Florida, Alaska and England. George and Linda also enjoyed a 50th Anniversary Cruise and a memorable trip to Hawaii with special friends.

George had many hobbies including tinkering with cars, computers and cameras. He could fix anything! Linda referred to this special skill as “Harneyizing”.

George is survived by his three daughters, Lynetta Rochelle and her husband, John of Ponca City, Oklahoma, Anita Payne and her husband, James of Houston, Texas, Tammy Zweiacher and her husband, Bob of Ninilchik, Alaska. Other survivors include grandchildren, Lisa Hawryluk and her husband, Peter, Jacob Payne, Jocelyn Hill and her husband Jacob, Bailey Rochelle; great-grandchildren, Jack Hawryluk, Emily Hawryluk and Jenna Hill; siblings Roger Harney and Donetta Lausch along with several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife Linda, parents Ronald Gilbert and Frances Irene Harney and siblings Vera and Floyd.

A Celebration of George’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM. Thursday, October 6, 2022, at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel of Ponca City. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Ponca City.Those unable to attend the Funeral Ceremony, may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website, www.troutfuneralhome. com and click on the live-stream or toolbar icon on the top right corner after 1:45 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

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