David Ray Harkleroad

RICHMOND, Ind. - On October 5, 2011, we lost our Superman, David Ray (Poppy) Harkleroad. David battled leukemia for two years and lost his battle after complications from a stem cell transplant at the IU Medical Center in Indianapolis. He fought harder than anyone and never once complained about his illness. His strength was undeniable and we will never forget his lively spirit. He played like a champion every day. He was born on July 13, 1950, to Harry and Lena Falcone Harkleroad in Richmond, Ind. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1969, where he enjoyed hanging out with his cousin and best friend, Joe Falcone. After graduation he was drafted to the Vietnam War in 1970, where he served until 1972. He became a certified electrician. He worked for the Carpenters and Millwright Union. He then worked as an electrician with Ludwig Electric in Cedar Grove, Ind., Carpenter Bus in Richmond, and Primex Plastics in Richmond. He was the life of the party with his sense of humor. His children and his grandchildren were his life and he enjoyed every moment they spent together. They often took an annual trip to King’s Island which brought him great joy. He loved Notre Dame Football, the Yankees, and The Young and the Restless, which is a strange combination, but if you knew our poppy this was just normal. He is survived by three daughters, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandson due in November: Nikki Young of Richmond and her children, Lindsey, Kevin (DJ), Dylan and Austin; Elizabeth and Jonathan Medaris of Richmond and their children, Luke, Jake and Xavier; Deanna and David Spradling of Richmond and their children, A.J., Isaiah, Madison (or Madi from Cincinnati), and Ava. He is also survived by his father, Harry Harkleroad of Richmond; three sisters and two brothers, Ken and Pat Jordan of Richmond, Larry and Linda Harkleroad of Syracuse, Ind., Darlene Caves of Centerville, Becky and Jay Hartman of Richmond, and Angela and Darren Touseull of Fishers, Ind.; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother and nephews, Kenneth and Scott Jordan. We would like to invite family and friends to his celebration of life. Visitation for David Ray Harkleroad will be from 4 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 9, 2011, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 10, 2011, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Father Todd Riebe officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery Field of Honor with military honors by the Wayne County Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the stem cell donor network at www.BeTheMatch.com in David’s honor. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

David Ray Harkleroad

July 13, 1950 - October 5, 2011