More detail on this person: Archie Harrell Our beloved Archie was born on November 9, 1931 at Ft. Benning, GA. He chose to follow those before him by enlisting in the Army in 1951. There he found travel, adventure, love, danger, skills, and honor. The opportunity to learn to fly led down a path that brought 42 air medals, including one for valor. He also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart for his skill and bravery as a helicopter pilot during two tours in Vietnam. He was honored to fly President Eisenhower and escort Robert Kennedy's memorial train. After nearly 30 years in service he entered the real estate profession, selling houses to officers moving in and out of Ft. Lewis. He also bought and managed properties until the last week of his life. Tenacity brought his family a secure legacy. Beyond being an astute businessman, good friend, and loving husband and father, soft-hearted, generous, and thoughtful, he was known to put a little extra in employee pay envelopes, give a tenant in need a break, and create jobs for others to earn some money. During his tours in Germany he fell in love with a beautiful German woman, who became the light of his life. He married Auguste on September 29, 1964, and remained devoted to her and his family. Sadly, she preceded him too soon in 2013. Fortunately, he began to develop a loving relationship with longtime friend and associate Claudia Maves. They married on June 7, 2016. We are sorry their time was too short and deeply appreciate Claudia's love and devotion to him. We know he felt blessed to have her in his life. Everyone who knew Archie knows he was a charming man who loved to play practical jokes, tell engrossing stories, amuse with quick wit, and entertain with his antics. As children, his boys saw his humor as quirky at best. True appreciation would come to them as adults, and through them Archie-stories are bound to entertain a new generation of friends and family. Archie was preceded in death by his wife Auguste and his parents Jetta Burks and Archie Harrell, Sr., as well as brother Kenneth Harlen. He is survived by his wife Claudia, brother Michael Burks, and sons Stephen (and his wife Marcia), Dirk, and Mark, as well as grandchildren David, Jordon, Meghan, Seth, and Devon. In remembrance, please consider a distinctive contribution to your favorite charity. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 on Sunday, August 26, 2018, in the Chapel at the New Tacoma Cemetery, 9221 Chambers Creek Rd W, University Pl, WA. All who knew and loved him are welcome.
This information was last updated 08/24/2018
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Date posted on this site: 04/13/2025
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