William Jack Duke Harlow

W.J., William Jack “Duke” Harlow, Senior, passed peacefully in his daughter’s home on December 29, 2022, in Three Rivers, Texas. Duke was preceded in death by his parents, Fred & Moda (Bush) Harlow of Pontotoc, Texas, and the love of his life Bettie Joan (Dorough) Harlow with whom he shared 63 ½ beautiful years. He is survived by his brother, Waymond Don(Tinnie) Harlow & wife Donna (of Austin) by his son, William Jack Harlow (Billy Jack) Jr. & wife Therese (of West Virginia), son Robert Joseph Harlow (Bobby Joe) & wife Laura (of San Antonio) and daughter, Maribeth Harlow (of Three Rivers), grandchildren & great grandchildren, William Jack Harlow III (Trey) & wife Megan- daughter Allie Beth, Michelle Harlow Zimmerman & husband Alex- sons Warren Jack Harlow & Wade Emmett Zimmerle, Dylan Joseph Harlow, Erika Elizabeth Harlow, Sierra Reynolds Rendo & husband Luis, Brianna Reynolds, Joseph Harlow & wife Carli- daughter Emerson Garner Harlow, Joan Marie Harlow, Jonathan Albor. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, lifelong friends, and beloved students.

Duke, W.J., Jack, Sonny, or Sarge, as he had many monikers, was born in Pontotoc, Texas. He attended Harlandale High School in San Antonio. He served in the Navy from 1954-1958. Duke and Joan married in Sacramento, California on June 29, 1957. After being discharged they returned to San Antonio. Duke worked as a milk man for Borden’s before becoming a SAPD officer in 1959. As their family grew, Duke wanted a better life for them all and while working attended college first earning a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State, then a master’s from Sam Houston State. He was proud to attend college on the GI Bill. In 1977 he began teaching at Roosevelt High School while still a Sargent in Community Relations with SAPD. He sponsored numerous student organizations and Explorer groups. His work ethic was beyond reproach and he instilled it in his children and grandchildren. He was also quite an athlete. He quarterbacked for the police department (Panthers) into his early 40’s. He competed in track and field events winning gold and silver in the International Police Olympics in high jump and discus. He was famous for his softball pitching! Striking out even the best hitters. After he no longer played sports, he continued to encourage and cheer on his grandchildren. Occasionally questioning a call with his booming voice. He was active in local and National politics as well. As a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1972 for Bexar County, he believed strongly in the democratic process. He taught at the collegiate and university level. He was an adjunct professor for Schreiner, as well as Southwest Texas. He taught his sons to play guitar. Bobby Joe is now a musician and music teacher. Billy Jack, Maribeth, and Duke performed at a Roosevelt High School talent show together and received a standing ovation that some say lasted several minutes. His love for music continues through his grandchildren who sing and play multiple instruments. He was an active member in Bellaire Baptist Church in San Antonio, later in Mason he was devoted to Bible Baptist Church. He became an ordained minister and an officiant for marriage to many couples, including his grandson Trey & Megan, and grandson Joseph & Carli. Upon his retirement, he and Joan returned to the hill country settling in Pontotoc, where they enjoyed ranching, hunting, gardening, but mostly they loved spending time with their grandchildren.

After several health scares, they returned to San Antonio for access to health care facilities. When Joan was diagnosed with dementia, Duke refused to leave her side. He cared for her with kindness and compassion at their home until she passed in 2020. He was only three days from

Welcoming the newest Harlow and his fourth great grandchild Emerson when he passed. His children and grandchildren referred to him as Grandpa, Pawpaw, Duker Ruker, Pops, Daddy, Pa but mostly he was their Superman. May God Bless Duke Harlow.

The Harlow family is forever grateful to the caring staff of New Century Hospice of Pleasanton. Cremation services were arranged by Roberson Funeral Home in Three Rivers, Texas. A memorial and celebration of life will be held at Porter Loring North in San Antonio, on January 28th at 11:00 AM with a processional to Pontotoc Community Center. Graveside forfamily will follow at Pontotoc Cemetery.

CELEBRATION OF LIFESATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 202311:00 AMPORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH2102 NORTH LOOP 1604 EASTSAN ANTONIO, TX 78232

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