Lt. Col. (USAF, Ret.) Lionel E. (Gene) Harkleroad passed away at the age of 81 in the comfort of his home in Salado, Texas on December 30, 2015. Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 5, 2016, 11:00 AM at the Historic Chapel of the Salado United Methodist Church with military honors. Dr. Scott Mescher is presiding.

Gene is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Ann Bevins Harkleroad; his son and daughter-in-law, William and Marty Harkleroad of Fredericksburg, TX; and daughter Stephanie Harkleroad Fore and Trey Massengale of Houston and Austin, TX. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Michael and Jonathan Fore of Houston, TX, and Ryann Brodnax and Luke Harkleroad of Fredericksburg, TX; and his two sisters, Betty Harkleroad of London, KY and Judy Morrisette of Charlotte, NC. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Matilda Bussell Harkleroad; and his three brothers, Harold, Jack and Tommy.

Gene was born in London, KY on January 13, 1934. He attended London High School and then Berea College in Berea, KY where he received a BS in Biology in 1956. He received an MBA from Webster College in St. Louis, MO in 1980. Gene served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 25 years at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, where he held charge over the Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center Cardio-Pulmonary Support Section and commanded the 4th Aeromedical Staging Flight. He was decorated with Air Force Commendation and Meritorious Service Medals before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1982. Gene continued his professional career at Medical Center Hospital in Conroe, TX and Scott & White Clinic and Hospital in Temple, TX.

Gene was an avid competitive golfer, representing Lackland AFB in multiple national Armed Forces tournaments, and was later a member of Mill Creek Country Club in Salado, TX. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, San Antonio Spurs basketball, and fellowship with cherished friends. Above all was his love for his family.

The family would like to give special thanks for the care received from Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Clinic, especially Dr. William Ligon and Dr. King Scott Coffield, and the nurses and staff of Interim Healthcare.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Scott & White Healthcare Foundation (visit foundation.sw.org/give for details) or the charity of your choice.