Harkles Walker

Harkles Walker Obituary Harkles Walker, the middle son of the late William John Walker and Hattie Glover Walker, was born on April 18, 1923 in Elko, South Carolina (Barnwell County). Harkles had many fond memories growing up in Barnwell County on his family’s farm and throughout his life constantly recalled moments of his South Carolina roots. He never forgot his daily farm chores and his long walks to school with his extended family of cousins. Harkles and his family were faithful members of Bell Pond Baptist Church in Barnwell County, where he was baptized in 1935. In 1937, the family relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida due to a bank foreclosure on the family farm. Harkles then attended Dillard High School where he enjoyed his years as a student and participating in the Science Club. A photo of Harkles with the Science Club remains on display at the Old Dillard Museum. Prior to receiving his high school diploma, Harkles was drafted into the Air Force during World War II. The war ended just as Harkles completed training as a Gunner. He then returned to complete required studies in preparation for enrollment at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he eventually received his B.S degree in 1950. Harkles pledged Phi Beta Sigma fraternity as a student of Morehouse. Years later, he returned to Atlanta for completion of his M.A. degree from Atlanta University in 1967. After Morehouse College, Harkles married Ellena Trammell and to this union three children were born: Carlton, Cindy, and Cyrus. Harkles later met and married Maxine Terrell and they remain married for over fifty years. After completion of studies at Morehouse College, Harkles taught school briefly in South Carolina. He later moved to Ohio accepting employment with the Cleveland Public School System where he taught science at both junior high and high school levels. His Cleveland teaching career included Addison Jr. High, Harry E. Davis Jr. High, John Hay High School, and East Tech High School where he retired in 1980 as a chemistry teacher and head of the science department. During his employment as a teacher with the Cleveland Public School System, Harkles was also committed to adult education. He received an Award of Appreciation as a Volunteer for the Cleveland READ Adult illiteracy program. During his spare time, Harkles also wrote occasional social event articles for Akron’s African American Newspaper, The Reporter. Harkles was a faithful member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio for over fifty years. He enjoyed attending Sunday School, singing with the Olivet Male Chorus and being a member of the Keepers of Faith, Hope and Heritage. Harkles and his wife Maxine also enjoyed many years of traveling abroad with their Olivet church family. As a lover of photography and history, Harkles was always prepared with his camera or tape recorder to capture every moment. As a former teacher, Harkles believed in new life experiences and continued education. After retirement, Harkles served as a Substitute Teacher, completed extensive research to organize the first reunion of his Walker and Glover roots, worked on a political campaign, joined Toastmasters, organized his neighborhood street club, became H&R Block certified for tax preparation, traveled extensively with wife Maxine, received his real estate license, and took piano lessons and computer classes. Harkles was always willing to share his knowledge and wisdom with others. Always leaving a positive message with family and friends, they never tired of his constant reminder to behave if they expected to gain entrance to heaven. He leaves to cherish the precious memories his devoted wife Maxine; two sons, Carlton Walker of Wichita, Kansas and Cyrus Walker of Chicago, Illinois; daughter Cindy Walker of Cleveland, Ohio; one grandson, Brandon Walker of Wichita; one great-grandson Elijah; and a host of dearest nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harkles Walker, please visit our floral store. Read More

Harkles Walker

April 18, 1923 - January 24, 2022