Gordon Lee Harkness

Gordon Lee Harkness, 94, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026. He was born on August 21, 1931, in Kansas City, Missouri to Ray and Margaret Harkness.

Gordon graduated from Argentine High School in 1949. In the fall of 1950, he began attending the University of Kansas City for two years, as well as working for the Santa Fe Railroad. In 1952, Gordon joined the Marine Corps where he served for three years. Gordon served in the Korean War as an artillery observer for the 11th Marines, then served an additional five years in the Marine Reserves. He returned home in 1955 to continue his work with the Santa Fe Railroad as a locomotive fireman before being promoted to engineer in 1958. During his time with the railroad, Gordon attended the Electronic Institute by way of the G.I. Bill.

In 1962, Gordon married Marlene, becoming a devoted father to her daughter, Diana. Later the family expanded with the addition of two sons, Gregory and Jeffrey. Gordon and Marlene were married for 56 years. Gordon remained employed by the Santa Fe Railroad for 49 years until his retirement in 1997. He and Marlene were active members of Overland Park Christian Church and enjoyed volunteering with Life Care Ministries and Angel Food Ministries for many years. Gordon was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Elks Lodge.

Gordon was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marlene Harkness, and his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Diana Riggs-Winter; sons, Gregory Harkness and Jeffrey Harkness; grandsons, Shaun Riggs, Michael (Emily) Riggs, and Marc Winter; and great-grandchildren, Victoria Riggs, Charlie Riggs, and Betty Riggs.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, with a funeral service beginning at 2:00pm, both at the Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee, KS. A private family burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gordon’s name may be made to Overland Park Christian Church or Ascend Hospice. For Overland Park Christian you may CLICK HERE for an online donation or click below. For Ascend Hospice send checks to this address 783 NE Anderson Lane, Lee's Summit, MO 64064, please make checks payable to Ascend Hospice.