Thomas Gene Harkness passed away in Houston at the age of 85. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Sunday, May 29, 2011 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Pastor Arthur Craig officiating. Interment will be in the Coolidge Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Thomas was born November 13, 1925 in Kaufman, Texas to Alonzo and Jack Crimm Harkness. He was a retired painter. He married Nannie Jean Grooms on January 1, 1949. Thomas was a member of Woodhaven Baptist Church of the Deaf Church. His love for the Lord and his family was evident in his life. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Jim Gillespie and wife, Nannie of 56 years. Thomas is survived by two sons, David B. Harkness and wife, Donna J. of Houston and Tommy G. Harkness and wife, Terrie of Orangeburg, S.C.; four grandchildren, Cody B., Adam W., Wesley Harkness and Lindsey Johnson; first great-grandchild due in June; and sister, Helen Karnes of Dallas.