Lafayette Harney Jr.

Lafayette Harney Jr., affectionately known as Paul to family and friends, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 87. He was born on December 9, 1938, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Lafayette and Maude Harney, and his beloved daughters, Patricia St. Pierre and Alicia Irene Carvajal.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Vera Irene Harney; his daughter, Betty Conces of Oysterville, Washington; and his son, Michael Harney of Napa, Idaho. He also leaves behind his cherished granddaughters, Ashley Irene Ashton and Courtney Ann Carvajal, both of San Antonio, Texas, and his three treasured great-granddaughters, Alexis Irene Ashton, Amelia Louise Ashton, and Abigail Lafayette Ashton.

Paul dedicated nearly three decades of his life to serving his country in the United States Air Force. He enlisted in 1956 and completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. During his distinguished military career, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his first tour, he survived the Tet Offensive while stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base. On his second tour, he was awarded the Bronze Star in recognition of his courageous combat service. His assignments took him to numerous Air Force bases throughout the United States, as well as to Taiwan and Japan. He retired from the Air Force in 1985, following his final assignment at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base.

Committed to lifelong learning, Paul continued his education throughout his military career with a focus on hospital administration. In 1983, he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Care Management from the Community College of the Air Force.

Following his military retirement, Paul continued serving others through civilian federal service. In 1989, he began his career at Brooke Army Medical Center, where he served as Chief of Patient Affairs until his retirement in 2006.

Outside of his professional life, Paul had a passion for travel. He especially enjoyed exploring the United States in his motor home, creating lasting memories along the way. He was an avid coin collector and found great joy in teasing, laughing with, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Paul will be remembered for his quiet strength, remarkable patience, dry sense of humor, unwavering devotion to his family, and a lifetime of honorable service to his country. His legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Lafayette’s services will be held at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, Texas 78238, with visitation on July 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am and reception at 12:00 pm.

Visitation will also be held there on July 8, 2026, from 9:00 am to 9:45 am, with a procession to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery departing at 9:45 am from Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, Texas 78238.

A committal service will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #3, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209, on July 8, 2026, at 10:30 am.