Richard Erle Harkins, 33°
(Nov 18, 1932-Apr 17, 2004)
Past Master, Temple Lodge #299, Kansas City, MO

1959 - 32° Consistory of Western MO, Kansas City
1975 - Knight Commander of the Court of Honor
1975 - Commander, DeMolai Council of Kadosh
1999 - Coroneted 33° Inspector General Honorary

Member, Ararat Shrine Temple

Occupation: Executive Director, DeMolay International Supreme Council, 1958-1978. Partner; President Seville Consultants, from 1979. President B-C One Incorporated, 1980-1985; Innovative Designs, Incorporated, Kansas City, from 1985.

Veteran: Captain US Navy Reserve - 30 years
Alumnus: University of Oklahoma MBA
Interred: Mt Moriah Cemetery, Kansas City, MO

Richard Erle Harkins was born November 18 1932, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the only son of Erle and Allece Harkins who preceded him in death in 1970. He attended school in Norman, Oklahoma, graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in Journalism in 1954 and a Master's in Public Relations in 1958. He served in the US Navy, then spent 30 years in the Naval Reserve where he retired as Captain. He served as executive director in the International Order of DeMolay, served 45 years in and was past National president of Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). He served 10 years on the US Olympic Committee, devoted more than 25 years with the South Suburban Junior Baseball Association as a coach, team manager, treasurer, president and served 12 years on the Kansas City Sports Commission.

Brother Harkins was a 32nd Degree Mason in the Valley of Kansas City Scottish Rite and was recently inducted as the 33rd Degree Mason. He was a member of the Ararat Shrine Temple. He was survived by his wife of 45 years; his son Scott Harkins and wife; another son and daughter; and four grandchildren.