Donald Leroy Harman was born June 18, 1945 on the land his family homesteaded in the Oklahoma land run just south of Nardin, Oklahoma to Delbert and Gertrude (Dolly) Harman and passed from this life on December 24, 2019.

Donald enjoyed growing up on the farm and graduated from Blackwell High School. He is a veteran of the National Guard. His father was an Electrician and he followed in Delbert’s footsteps who explained, “You should never charge a widow or child for your electrical services” which Don honored all of his life. Don owned Harman Electric for forty-five years before retiring and working as head of the Electrical Department for Northern Oklahoma College. Don taught square dance classes for a few semesters at the college and later became the District President of the North Central Square Dancing Association in 2013. He was devoted to his community as President of Nardin Heritage Day during the 1980’s where he donated all of his electrical services for the event. Don was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Blackwell for many years. He became the President of Lutheran Brotherhood through his 40’s after creating beautiful baptismal medallions for the church.

Ellie and Don adopted their daughter Tamra Lynn Cunningham May 3, 1979 from Lutheran Social Services in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was a stubborn baby just like her dad. She wouldn’t eat any of her baby food until he took a bite first which became a running joke later on in the family. Don was an amazing father to her, always proud to coach all of Tammy’s sports when she was growing up which included softball, basketball, and soccer. Tammy and Don were nearly glued at the hip in her younger years, anytime he left the house Ellie said Tammy wanted to be right by his side. In 1994 he joined a singles group where he met the love of his life Carolyn Sissons who he went on to spend twenty-five amazing years with. They enjoyed two stepping and square dancing together. He believed anyone could dance saying, “You don’t have to be good at it you just got to get out there and do it”. Later in life Don and Carolyn were active in the Ponca City, Newkirk, and McCord senior centers where he enjoyed playing cards and making new friends. He had always toyed with carpentry and after the loss of his leg instead of losing hope he kept himself busy making wood art wall decor portraying landscapes, American Flags, and still life pictures. Don entered his wooden art in the local Kay County Fair and was excited when he won second place.

Donald is survived by his life companion, Carolyn Sis-sons, step son, Ted Sissons, his daughter Tamra Cunningham and her husband, Eric Cunningham, his grandchildren, Courtney Balli, Kaley Balli, Eric Cunningham II, and Chloe Cunningham, his sister, Wilda Scott-Harman, his brother, Delbert Harmon II (Butch).

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Dolly Harman, his daughter, Laurie Harman, his brother, Gerald Harman, and his sister-in-law, Judy Harman.

A memorial service for Don will be held at the Ponca City Connect Church at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2019. Memorial contributions may be given to Connect Church. paid obituary