Obituary of John Edward Harney III

John Edward Harney III, born October 30, 1948, in Kodiak, Alaska, to the late John Edward Harney Jr. and Marie Arbutis (Miller) Harney, peacefully slipped from his earthly tent to be with the Lord at Mon General Hospital in West Virginia, surrounded by his devoted wife, Pat, and his three loving children. He is survived by his wife, Pat Harney; children Corinna Harney-Jones (Chris), John Edward Harney IV (Aimee), and Dorinda Harney-Foley (Mike); grandchildren Kyler Jones, John E Harney V, Grace Harney, Kadence Egizio, and Hailey Payan; and siblings Steve Harney (Linda) of Las Vegas, NV; Ed Harney (Melodie) of Florida; Sherry Alotta (Tony) of Las Vegas, NV; and Debbie Goris (John) of Idaho. He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Heather Hanley. Raised in San Diego, California, John graduated from high school before going to seminary school where he earned a masters in theology. His life took a change of course and he then proudly served in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed in Germany as part of military intelligence. A Vietnam Veteran- he was awarded many citations and medals while serving during the Vietnam War. After his service, he earned 2 more master’s degrees in criminal justice and law. In 1972, John moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he spent more than 30 years in dedicated service to the State of Nevada. He retired as a Nevada Highway Patrol Sergent and completed his service as an appointed Administrative Law Judge. During his time there, he was well known as a Traffic School Instructor for the court system. He also was a member of the Oasis Lodge in Las Vegas Nevada for 20 years. A licensed pilot and avid sailor, John loved flying, exploring, and teaching his children the art of sailing on Mission Bay. He had a deep love of history and strategy games like Risk, poker, and told some great stories and jokes. In later years, John and Pat made their home in West Virginia, where he continued a life of service, faith, and fellowship. He was a proud Mason, Legionnaire, and cherished friend to many. He was an active member of Acacia Lodge No. 157 AF&AM in Fairmont, WV, where he served as a coach, mentor, and former steward. He was also a member of the Upper Mon Valley Shrine Club, where he served as past president and advocate for the children of Shriners Erie; Osiris Shriners of Wheeling, WV; the Royal Order of Jesters Court No. 13, Wheeling, WV; and the Herschel “Woody” Williams VFW Post 7048 in Fairmont, where he held numerous leadership roles, including Post Commander. John enjoyed hosting weekly card games with dear friends and was known for his sharp mind, generous heart, and sense of humor. He also traveled often and recently traveled to Columbia on an adventure with his pals. His life was one of integrity, curiosity, and compassion. He was dearly loved, highly respected, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Mirth is King- but The King of all Kings is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. John 11:25-26 Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. Friends will be received in the funeral home on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 11a.m until 12 noon. A memorial service will be held for John in the funeral home on Friday at 12 noon with his son, Pastor John Harney IV as celebrant. Full military and masonic rites will be held for John following the memorial service at the West Virginia Nation Cemetery at 42 Veterans Memorial Lane, Grafton, WV 26354. Following the graveside services, a meal will be hosted at VFW Post 7048 at 1310 Morgantown Avenue, Fairmont, WV 26554 in dedication to John’s memory. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com