In Memory Of
Kenneth Robert Harkins
1939
2023
Kenneth Robert Harkins
May 16, 1939 — August 21, 2023
Kenneth Robert "Kenny" Harkins, age 84 of Atwater, Ohio died on August 21, 2023 at his home.
He was born on May 16, 1939 in Allentown, PA, the son of the late Vincent Marsh Harkins and Gertrude (nee Rhoads) Harkins Schlegel. At the age of five, Kenny's father passed away and his mother remarried and his late step-father, Joseph Lester Schlegel, helped raise him and siblings.
He graduated from Allentown High School and joined the US Armed Services and was honorably discharged from the US Navy and US Air Force.
Kenny was a well known musician in the Las Vegas arena from the 1960's through 1998. He played the piano from the age of 4 and from there his life as a musician took off. Starting out in the Si Zentner Orchestra, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Louie Prima and many others, including Frank Sinatra, Ann Margaret, Elvis Presley, Andy Williams and Henry Mancini, just to name a few. His main gig was working for Circus Circus during their circus performances. Kenny was also the musical director for the Russ Gary Big Band Express, being nominated for a Grammy in 1985.
Ken was also recognized, by reputation, as a top artist in the Las Vegas area playing the B-Three Organ.
Survivors include his loving wife the former Carol A. Coyle, whom he married on August 22, 1992; his children, Vincent Ramsey, Bryan Harkins and Daryn Harkins; his grandchildren, Derek and Dan; and his great-grandson, Adam.
Also surviving is his brother, Jerry Schlegel of Texas and his sister, Mary Savill of Australia.
Other than his parents, Kenny was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Glass.
Per Ken's wishes, he will be cremated and there will a private celebration of his life.
All arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Newcomer Funeral Home, Akron, Ohio.
To share a memory of Kenny or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born on May 16, 1939 in Allentown, PA, the son of the late Vincent Marsh Harkins and Gertrude (nee Rhoads) Harkins Schlegel. At the age of five, Kenny's father passed away and his mother remarried and his late step-father, Joseph Lester Schlegel, helped raise him and siblings.
He graduated from Allentown High School and joined the US Armed Services and was honorably discharged from the US Navy and US Air Force.
Kenny was a well known musician in the Las Vegas arena from the 1960's through 1998. He played the piano from the age of 4 and from there his life as a musician took off. Starting out in the Si Zentner Orchestra, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Louie Prima and many others, including Frank Sinatra, Ann Margaret, Elvis Presley, Andy Williams and Henry Mancini, just to name a few. His main gig was working for Circus Circus during their circus performances. Kenny was also the musical director for the Russ Gary Big Band Express, being nominated for a Grammy in 1985.
Ken was also recognized, by reputation, as a top artist in the Las Vegas area playing the B-Three Organ.
Survivors include his loving wife the former Carol A. Coyle, whom he married on August 22, 1992; his children, Vincent Ramsey, Bryan Harkins and Daryn Harkins; his grandchildren, Derek and Dan; and his great-grandson, Adam.
Also surviving is his brother, Jerry Schlegel of Texas and his sister, Mary Savill of Australia.
Other than his parents, Kenny was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Glass.
Per Ken's wishes, he will be cremated and there will a private celebration of his life.
All arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Newcomer Funeral Home, Akron, Ohio.
To share a memory of Kenny or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth Robert Harkins, please visit our flower store.
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