Melba J. Harken

Melba J. Harken died Jan. 7. She was an influential, generous and visionary woman who adored her family, community and friends. Her strong faith in God was the foundation that carried her through life. Harken expressed grace and warmth to every person she met. She was clear-eyed about death, torn between leaving her children and their offspring and joining the love of her life, Tom.

Harken, the eighth of 10 children, was born of modest means on a farm in Mountain Park, OK, June 24, 1939, to Floyd and Delta Curtis, née Hill. She attended Consolidated 8 High School and graduated in May 1957 as valedictorian of her class. Prior to graduation, she passed the Civil Service exam. She traveled to Albuquerque, NM, where she was assigned to a unit conducting experimental research on regular bombs for the U.S. Air Force. Later, she transferred back to Oklahoma to work at Altus Air Force Base, then Fort Sill. There, as a typist in the Nike anti-ballistic missile program, Harken typed draft manuscripts for training manuals written by onsite authors. She met and married Thomas L. “Tom” Harken, and, while her career with the government ended, a much more exciting “career” with Tom began.

Harken and Tom loved the business world. She remained by his side all the way, serving as secretary and treasurer for Casa Olé Beaumont Inc. and Crazy Jose Restaurant Group Inc. She provided accounting and mechanical expertise, always completely involved in each business her husband created.

Not only was Harken a great partner to her husband — the role she played as a mother and grandmother was the most rewarding role she ever held. She wore the title of matriarch with pride.

Harken was a beautiful, loving, brave and loyal friend who will be missed by all who knew her.