Paul Lester "Lakhota" Harker Jr.

1956 - 2019

INDEPENDENCE - Paul Lester Harker, Jr., also known as Lakhota, 63, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Independence, died Thursday, March 7, 2019, from mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, caused from asbestos exposure. Paul was born to Paul Lester Harker, Sr. and Dolores Sarah Evans in Mt. Holly, New Jersey on Jan. 13, 1956. As a young boy he came to live with Patricia (Beltz) Van Auken who then raised him as her son. Marriage: to Diane Willett in Dubuque, July 25, 1980; divorced 2007. Survivors: 3 children, 12 grandchildren, his mother Patricia, 8 siblings, a stepbrother, stepsister, stepmother, an aunt and a godchild.
Visitation: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, White Funeral Home, Independence.
Funeral service: 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 11, Bethel Baptist Church, Independence. Graveside service for close family and friends. Memorial fund: Bethel Bible Church. On condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.