Carl Gene Harkrider was born on March 2, 1955, in Levelland, Texas, to George and Josephine Hanzl Harkrider. Along with his younger brother Cary, Carl spent his early years in Texas and New Mexico before the family settled in Tulsa in 1966. Carl's childhood was filled with adventure and curiosity, whether riding his bike for miles across Tulsa's roads, playing basketball with friends at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, or poring over baseball cards with his brother. He was an Eagle Scout, a distinction that reflected his commitment to service and determination. At just sixteen, Carl began a working life that would span decades, starting at Amoco in the basement tape library while also holding a job at JCPenney. A proud graduate of Hale High School, he went on to attend the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his bachelor's degree before returning to JCPenney in management. At OU, Carl formed special friendships that have spanned the years. Eventually, Carl made his way back to Amoco, where he served as an accountant until 2000, when he launched his own career as a leadership consultant. His work in that role would take him around the world as he worked with companies spanning all fields. He never officially retired, as his consultant work continued via online methods through 2025.

Carl's greatest joy, however, was his family. He shared 45 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Dorothy, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and deep devotion. He was a proud father to his daughter, Lauren, and son, Brent. Together as a family they travelled to all 50 states and 16 countries. Carl was a skilled photographer, and his destination photos were framed as art. He was a member of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where the family made life-long friendships that were cherished by him. Carl and Dorothy moved to Frisco, TX in 2017 as their first grandchild was born. Carl then became the beloved Boomer to Reagan, and to Lincoln, Hudson, and Rhodes who were to follow.

Carl passed at the age of 70 on September 16, 2025, in Plano, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Josephine Harkrider of Tulsa, OK. Carl is survived by his wife Dorothy Harkrider of Frisco, TX, daughter Lauren (Brandon) Beechly of Frisco, TX, son Brent (Casey) Harkrider of Newport, NC, grandchildren Reagan and Lincoln Beechly of Frisco, TX and Hudson and Rhodes Harkrider of Newport, NC, brother Cary (Julie) Harkrider of Tulsa, OK and many nieces, nephews, and grandnephews.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Moore's Southlawn Chapel in Tulsa, OK. Oklahoma Sooner fans are encouraged to wear their OU colors.