Harkles Walker was born on April 18, 1923 in Elko, South Carolina (Barnwell County), the middle son of the late William John Walker and Hattie Glover Walker.

Harkles had many fond memories growing up on his family's Barnwell County farm.   He never forgot his daily farm chores and his long walks to school with his extended family of cousins.

The family relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1937 after the bank foreclosed on the family farm.  Harkles then attended Dillard High School where he enjoyed his years as a student and participating in the Science Club.  A photo of Harkles with the Science Club remains on display at the Old Dillard Museum.

Harkles was drafted into the Air Force during World War II while he was still in high school.  The war ended just as he completed training as a Gunner. He went back and finished high school before enrolling at Morehouse College, where he pledged Phi Beta Sigma and received a B.S. degree in 1950. He returned to Atlanta years later to obtain his M.A. degree from Atlanta University in 1967.

After college, Harkles married Ellena Trammell and to this union three children were born:  Carlton, Cindy, and Cyrus.  Harkles later met and married Maxine Terrell and they remain married for over fifty years.

Harkles taught school briefly in South Carolina after graduating from Morehouse.  He later moved to Ohio and began teaching science at the junior and senior high school levels in Cleveland public schools.  His Cleveland teaching career included Addison Jr. Hi, Harry E. Davis Jr. Hi, and John Hay and East Tech. He retired from East Tech in 1980 as a chemistry teacher and head of the science department.

During his spare time, Harkles volunteered in the adult education arena. He also wrote occasional social event articles for The Reporter, a local weekly serving Akron's black community.

Harkles was a faithful member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church for over fifty years. He enjoyed attending Sunday School, singing with the Olivet Male Chorus and being a member of the Keepers of Faith, Hope and Heritage. Harkles and his wife Maxine also enjoyed many years of traveling abroad with their Olivet church family.  A lover of photography and history, Harkles was always prepared with his camera or tape recorder to capture every moment.  

Harkles remained active in retirement, serving as a substitute teacher, completing extensive research to organize the first reunion of his Walker and Glover roots, and working on political campaigns. He joined Toastmasters, organized his neighborhood street club, became H&R Block certified for tax preparation, traveled extensively with wife Maxine, obtained his real estate license, and took piano lessons and computer classes.   

Harkles was always willing to share his knowledge and wisdom with others. 

In addition to his wife Maxine, Harkles is survived by his children, Carlton Walker of Wichita, KS, Cyrus Walker of Chicago, and Cindy Walker of Cleveland; his grandson, Brandon Walker of Wichita; his great-grandson Elijah; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10am on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home and Crematory, 25900 Emery Rd. [44128]. A wake will take place at 9:30am. The live stream can be accessed here.