Benjamin G. Harned, Jr.

Benjamin Gardner Harned, Jr., lifelong Okmulgee resident and businessman, died Saturday evening, November 15, 2008 at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. He was born April 20, 1925 in Okmulgee to Benjamin G. Harned, Sr. and Clara R. (Eide) Harned. He graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1943 and in October of the same year joined the United States Army Air Corps. Ben was discharged from the service in 1946 and graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1949 with degrees in Business Law and Finance. He then became a partner in the Ben G. Harned & Co. Real Estate and Insurance with his father. Ben married Marianne Smith on August 23, 1953 in Bozeman, Montana. They made their home in Okmulgee where Ben was active in the First Christian Church, serving as a Deacon, Elder and in 2008 becoming Elder Emeritus. He and Marianne were active members of he Cornerstone Sunday School Class. In 1966 Ben purchased his father’s interest in the business. He had been a Mason for over 50 years and was a member of the Okmulgee Lodge No. 199 AF&AM. He was a member of the York Rite Gethsemane Commandery No.25, Knights Templar and a member of the Scottish Rite. He was also a member of the Bedouin Shrine and Okmulgee County Shrine Club. Ben became an Eagle Scout in 1942 and continued his involvement with scouting throughout his life, having served as Scoutmaster of Troop 6, sponsored by the First Christian Church. He later served in many capacities in the Indian Nations Council of the Boy Scouts. Ben became a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics in 1936. He was a member of the National Association of Realtors for over 50 years and was involved in many reality-affiliated organizations.

His parents and a son, Thomas Grant Harned in 1984, preceded Ben in death.

He is survived by his wife, Marianne, of the home, a son, Calvin Lee Harned and wife Gwen of Okmulgee, and a daughter, Elizabeth Anne Harned of Shawnee.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at the First Christian Church with Minister Charlie Green officiating. Interment will follow in the Okmulgee Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Tony Volturo, Terry Hurd, C. Fred Burks, Tim Turley, Bill Milroy, Bob Hess and Benny Thomas. Friends may visit the funeral home on Tuesday from 12-8. Memorial contributions may be made in Ben’s memory to the First Christian Church of Okmulgee. Arrangements are under the direction of the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee.