Harry L. Ikner

Major (Ret) Harry Ikner Sr. died on August 30, 2021 at 5:45pm at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, GA at the age of 84. Harry Ikner was born on June 20, 1937 to the late Ira L. Ikner and Nancy J. Ikner in Fountain, AL. He married Donna Sue on January 2nd, 1960 and later became father to his two beautiful children. Harry was a dedicated and honorable man who served the Lord God, his family and his country. He was an avid golfer, Alabama fan, and a good friend to all he met. 

He was a member of Wynnbrook Baptist Church where he was president of the choir for 18 years, worked in the kitchen for over 20 years, and devoted himself to serving Christ through fellowship and ministry. He was a member of the American Legion, DAV, Scottish Rite Mason 32nd Degree, an active member of the Dixie Senior’s Golf Association and a member at Fort Benning Golf Course where he helped run many of the golf tournaments. He gave 43 years of Federal service for his country, including 26 years of active military service and 17 years of civil service. He worked for 15 years at the Ranger Training Brigade from 1985 to 2000 where he was instrumental in taking the Best Ranger Competition from being a department-only competition to a worldwide event with teams from all branches of service as well as foreign nations.

During his distinguished military career in the United States Army, Harry served various assignments including one tour in Panama, two tours in Vietnam, and one in Korea. He also received numerous awards and decorations for both military and civilian service including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star Medal with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and "V" Device. After his service, he continued his education and received a Master’s Degree from Georgia State University, Summa Cum Laude.  He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Donna Sue Ikner, his daughter Christine (Michael), daughter-in-law Lisa (Robbie), granddaughters Leslie (Max), Kaylie (Zachary), and Kristi (Victor), as well as his great-grandchildren Lowery, Cody, Lincoln, Bristol, and Charlotte, and beloved pets Wilson and Bama. Harry joins his son, Harry L. Ikner Jr. (Butch), parents, siblings, and many friends in the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Wynnbrook Baptist Church in Columbus, GA. on Saturday, September 4th at 11am (visitation at 10am).In lieu of flowers, those so desiring may contribute to The Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude’s Children Hospital which were organizations near and dear to Harry. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harry L. Ikner, please visit our floral store.