James Harbeson

James H. Harbeson, longtime resident of Ponca City, passed away Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the Ponca City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was 86 years of age.

James was born January 19, 1925 at Red Eagle, Oklahoma, the son of Rex Joseph Harbeson and Laura Mae Shelton Harbeson. He attended the Webb City and Shidler schools, graduating from Shidler High School in 1943. He served in the United States Navy in World War II from July 1943 until March 1946. He was stationed in the South Pacific where he was a member of a bomber patrol group.

He was married to Eula Maxine Hamrick on July 3, 1947 in Fairfax, with the couple making their first home in Perry, Oklahoma. Maxine preceded him in death in December of 1985. He was married to Carol DeVaughn on November 21, 1986 in Cleveland, Oklahoma, with the couple making their home in Ponca City. Carol preceded him in death in June of 1993. He was married to Delores E. Whitmore on October 6, 1994 in Ponca City where the couple had since made their home.

Prior to James retirement he had been employed for 35 years as a pipeline terminal manager with the Phillips Petroleum Company. He was a member of the VFW Post 1201 and the American Legion Post 14. He was a past member of the Ponca City Mens
Bowling Association and Senior Citizens Bowling League. In his earlier years he enjoyed playing basketball and tennis.

He is survived by his wife, Delores, of the home one son, Michael J. Harbeson and wife, Rhonda, of Cypress, Texas two grandchildren, Ashley and Stephanie Harbeson one brother, Jeff Harbeson of Webb City numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents two wives 2 brothers, Jerry and Joe Harbeson and two sisters, Etla Salyer and Marie Dobbs.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 24, 2011 at Grace Memorial Chapel with Image Hospice Chaplain Dan Sharp presiding. Interment will follow in the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Casket bearers will be nephews, Joe Harbeson, Jim Harbeson, Jerry Younger, Jerry Harbeson, Lloyd Mains and Steve Griffith.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association, Oklahoma Chapter
6465 South Yale Avenue, Suite 312, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136.