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Kenneth E. "Cancun Kenny" "Ken" Harkless, 77, of Altoona, passed away Friday afternoon at his residence, surrounded by his family. Kenneth was born in Philipsburg, the son of the late Ralph and Genevieve (Sasala) Harkless. He married Donna M. Horon on June 19, 1971, in Altoona.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; a daughter, Shalon (Timothy Jr.) Hench; son, Christopher (fiancee, Lisa Glace) Harkless; two grandchildren, Taylor Hench and Dylan Hench (girlfriend, GG Grant); one brother, Barry Harkless; and also his great-grand puppy, Loki.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis (Denny) Harkless.
Ken was a 1966 graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School and a 1971 graduate of Philipsburg State General Hospital School of Nursing.
Ken was a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. During his career, he worked at Altoona Regional Hospital, Nason, Tyrone, Miner's Hospital in Spangler, Altoona Mercy Hospital (Bon Secours), Huntington and Hollidaysburg State Hospital. After his retirement, he drove a bus/van for the Altoona School District.
Ken enjoyed vacations, cars and spending time with family, friends and co-workers. He was an avid Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins fan.
Kenneth was a member of St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church. He was a former member of St. Therese of the Child Jesus Catholic Church.
Friends received Tuesday Aug. 4, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. by Father Andriy Kelt at Stanley J. Krish Funeral Home Inc., 1204 17th St., Altoona. A private interment at the convenience of the family will be at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery.
To honor Cancun Kenny's memory, the family requests that you wear your favorite tropical attire on Tuesday.
The family request instead of flowers please kindly donate to St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Cemetery, 2024 20th St., Altoona, PA 16601; or American Cancer Society.
www.kirshfuneralhome.com