R. Phillip Harker

December 2, 2009

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R. Phillip Harker 78 passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2009 in Houston, TX. Phil was born May 8, 1931 in Frankfort, IN. He received an AB degree from Indiana University in 1953 and JD degree from University of Louisville in 1957. He served as a lieutenant in the US Army during the Korean War from 1954-56. He practiced law in Frankfort, IN from 1957-62, three years of this time being the elected county prosecuting attorney. He entered the FBI in February, 1962 as a special agent and served in Tampa for six months, before being sent to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, studying Bulgarian for one year. His remaining 18 years were in Washington, DC.  At the Washington Field office, he was involved in Bulgarian for two years, handled major burglaries for four years, and gambling cases for two years. As the legal agent he lectured and trained investigators in the entire area concerning search and seizure, probable cause and testifying. From 1971 to 82 he was the supervisor of the Laboratory Gambling Unit. He lectured approximately half of his time at the academy at Quantico, the RCMP Academy in Ottawa and other areas. The other half of his time was testifying and preparing testimony. Due to a sudden acquired brain infection from unknown causes which left him disabled, he retired and returned to his hometown of Frankfort in 1982. While in Frankfort he assisted in various agencies about gambling in training and was active with the local Historical Society, Mental Health Association, Frankfort Board of Works and American Legion Color Guard.

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be on Monday, December 14th from 12 to 2 followed by a funeral service at 2:00 at Goodwin Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery.

Survived by:

He is survived by wife, Donna Harker of Frankfort, daughter Linda Ruhl of Seabrook, TX, son David Harker of Williamsport, MD and six grandchildren.

Condolences

One Condolence for “R. Phillip Harker”

  1. Phil DePoy December 12, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    Linda and David-
    I’m sorry to hear about Phil. I saw him last Christmas in Indianapolis and was able to spend a couple hours with him. Previous to that, I hadn’t seen him for several years. Linda, it was great that you took him to Texas — I’m certain that he was much happier when he was able to see you frequently.
    Phil

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