Donald Leon Harney, age 84, of Ladoga, formerly of Milford, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
He was born on March 6, 1940, to Herbert Leon and Marjorie Lea Fritts Harney in Rockville. Don was raised in Roachdale and graduated from Roachdale High School. After high school, he attended Purdue University briefly before beginning an apprenticeship as a photographer with R.R. Donnelley in Crawfordsville. He later transferred to the company's facility in Warsaw.
Don drove a semi-truck over the road for many years with Schneider Tank Lines, known by his CB handle, "Silver Fox," until his retirement at age 57. He was a devoted Purdue University fan and a longtime member of the John Purdue Club, attending sporting events enthusiastically. In addition to his love of sports, he enjoyed collecting coins and stamps. Most importantly, he cherished time spent with his family.
Don married Sandra K. Miller in 1963, and they had three sons: Kevin, Troy and Toby. He resided in Milford for many years. In 2016, he married Patricia Cline, his high school sweetheart, who is from Ladoga.
Don is survived by his wife, Patricia Cline Harney, of Ladoga; his three sons: Kevin (Deborah) Harney, of Winona Lake; Troy (Tina) Harney, of Syracuse; and Toby (Heather) Harney, of Milford; and eight grandchildren: Stephanie Emrie, of Claypool; Michelle (Patrick) Hazelton, of Warsaw; Evan Harney, of Nashville, Tenn.; Allison Harney and Travis Harney, both of Syracuse; and Trevor, Austin and Camden Harney, all of Milford. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren; his stepchildren, Allen (Terri) Cline and Mike (Kim) Cline, both of Ladoga; seven step-grandchildren; 12 step-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Karen (Marvin) Holman, of Angola.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Suanne Harney.
Family and friends may gather for visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 at Mishler Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 461 W. CR 900N, Milford. A service celebrating Don's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, officiated by Randy Beer. A graveside service, led by Mike Whitacre, will follow at 3 p.m. at Ladoga Wesleyan Cemetery in Ladoga.
Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s honor to Purdue University through the Purdue for Life Foundation or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.mishlerfhcc.com.