Center in Colorado Springs, CO. Darwin was born on Apr 27, 1936 to Ben and Lena Harfert at
Saint Francis Hospital, in Colorado Springs, CO.
Darwin spent most of his childhood on his parent’s farm and ranch near Kutch, Colorado.
Darwin attended Simla High School where he excelled in academics and 4 sports, football,
basketball, baseball and track - where he set a school record for the shot put. After graduating
from Big Sandy High School in Simla in 1954, he was a recipient of the National Bausch Lomb
science award. He was also invited by the Chicago Cubs baseball organization to try-out for
their Triple-A Denver Bears team. That fall, Darwin attended Colorado State University and
pursued degrees in Chemistry and Agriculture.
In 1957, Darwin and his wife Pat Harfert and newborn son Michael Fred Harfert born
1956, moved to Grants, New Mexico where he was employed as a chemist by the Anaconda
Uranium Mines. While living in New Mexico daughter Cynthia Jean Harfert (Hurst) 1958, and
son Terryll Harfert 1959 were born.
In 1960, Darwin and his family moved back to Colorado and Darwin became the General
Manager of the family-owned Dr. Pepper Bottling Company of Colorado Springs, CO.
In 1962, after his father, Ben, sold the bottling company, Darwin and his family moved to
Simla, Colorado where Darwin operated the Harfert Enterprises Dairy, until 1968. With his
friend, State Senator Ray Powers, Darwin also served on the National Board of Directors for the
Mountain Empire Dairy Association.
In 1965 Darwin and his family moved to Kutch, CO and Darwin began farming and ranching
again with his father Ben Harfert. Darwin and Ben would also purchase the Matheson Grain
Elevator and operate it until 1978. In 1972, Darwin and Pat were divorced. Then, in 1974,
Darwin remarried Donna (Bevans) Schmeiser. Donna’s sons, Marlin Schmeiser and Mike
Schmeiser, along with Darwin’s children, would help Darwin and Donna on the farm until 1981.
In 1981, Darwin and his father sold the Grain Elevator along with the farm and ranch
near Kutch, and moved the family to Simla, Colorado. Between 1981- 1987, Darwin would
develop a custom harvesting business, which specialized in harvesting corn, wheat, and barley,
traveling from Texas to Canada. In 1987, Darwin became a Representative-Appraiser for
Farmers State Bank in Calhan, CO where he worked until he retired in 1995. Darwin and Donna
moved to Colorado Springs in 1992.
In 1997, Darwin and Donna moved to Star Harbor, Malakoff, Tx. While in Star Harbor
Darwin kept himself busy tending to his beautiful yard and was especially proud of his roses. He
also became an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Malakoff, and helped
develop the Food Pantry for the Church.
In 2017, Darwin and Donna moved back to Colorado Springs, where Both Donna and
Darwin lived until Donna passed in 2018 and Darwin passed on Friday, Nov 6, 2020 .
Darwin was preceded in death by his wife Donna, and his parents Ben and Lena Harfert.
Darwin is survived by his brother, Allen Harfert and spouse Cathy, nephews Neal and Eric. Children: Michael Harfert and spouse Linda, Cindy Hurst, Terry Harfert and spouse Lori, Marlin Schmeiser and spouse Lisa, and Michael Schmeiser and spouse Renee. Grandchildren: Dan Harfert and spouse Rhia, Kristen Bisgard and spouse Adam, Brandan Harfert and spouse Whitney, Rachael Hurst, Brenna Colson and spouse Randy, Cody Schmeiser and spouse Maggie, Abbey Schmeiser, Cody Harfert, Ashley Schmeiser. Great Grandchildren: Alex and Lily Hurst, Izzy and Abbey Harfert, Jette and Daisy Harfert,
Emerson and Ellis Bisgard, and Pryor Colson.
An online memorial of Darwin’s life can be found at www.forevermissed.com/darwin-harfert
where anyone can post fond memories and pictures.
In remembrance of Darwin’s life, he requested that in lieu of flowers that charitable
donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Malakoff TX, P.O Box 447, Malakoff,
Tx 75148, or to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/donate. Or for local donations
American Cancer Society, P.O 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Send a note with zip code so
donations go to your local Cancer Society.
Memorial services for Darwin will be held at a later date due to his wishes and the
COVID guidelines. Details of the Memorial Service will be posted on the online memorial.
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