Ronald Martin “Marty” Harkey

December 4, 1956 - August 4, 2024

Ronald Martin Harkey was born in Crystal City, Texas on December 4, 1956, to parents Harold “Sonny” Leslie Harkey, Jr. and Annette Carr Harkey. Marty, as he was affectionately known, was the third of Sonny and Annette’s four children. Born with the sweetest nature, Marty never met a stranger, he immediately endeared himself to all that knew him.

Marty had the unique experience of living the majority of his life in Crystal City in the same house and loving environment provided by Sonny and Annette. He graduated from Carrizo Springs High School in 1975 and went on to work various jobs in Crystal City and was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church. Marty made many friends throughout his life. It’s not a stretch to say that anyone who had a remote connection to Crystal City knew Marty & loved him dearly.

From the onset of his life, Marty was dealt a challenging hand but through the grace and love of others, along with his own determined spirit, he was never made to feel any different. The familiar proverb, “It takes a village” applies beautifully to Marty’s life. Countless friends and family members played key roles in Marty’s special life. He was blessed with a loving caring village, but all would agree that that it was really the village that was blessed with Marty.

By land, water, or air, Marty relished experiencing the outdoors of his South Texas home. He enjoyed exploring and hunting the farms and ranches of the area, he loved flying in his Uncle Charlie’s airplane or Pat Morris’s helicopter, and of course taking his boat out for a stretch on the river. Marty squeezed every bit of delight that there was to take from the abundant offerings that come from growing up in South Texas.

Marty was preceded in death by his parents Harold “Sonny” Leslie Harkey, Jr. and Annette Carr Harkey, and his siblings, Wayne King Harkey, Harold “Hal” Leslie Harkey III, and Joyce Harkey Winn.

Marty is survived by his aunts & uncle, Ronny Carr and wife Mary, Louella Carr, and brother-in-law Pete Winn. Marty is also survived by numerous cousins, a niece, and nephews, including Ron Winn and Marty’s lone niece Melissa Annette Winn. Ron and Melissa took over as Marty’s guardians when Annette was no longer able to do so after 66 admirable years. Annette was an extraordinary woman, her dedication to Marty for almost his entire life ranks at the top of her many accomplishments.

Marty leaves behind countless friends that meant so much to him and his family. Life-long South Texas friends, his Methodist Church family, many special friends and neighbors that made up the rich and colorful fabric of Marty’s special life.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Hazel Byrd, Sean Darter, Patrick Byrd, Bill Martin, Jim Hartman, Charlie Elrod, Sam Adams, Scott & Mary Sramek, Nathanael Persinger, and everyone that provided such loving help to Marty.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Carrizo Springs, 602 W Nopal St, Carrizo Springs, TX 78834