Funeral services for Harlan Edward Harlin, 74, of Ninnekah, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2016 in the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel with Kim Hayes officiating.
Harlan Edward Harlin was born January 2, 1942 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the son of Clyde Andy Harlin and Wahnettia T. (Johnson) Harlin. He died Tuesday, January 5, 2016 in Norman, Oklahoma.
Harlan grew up and attended schools in Fort Supply, Oklahoma. Shortly after graduating high school, he joined the United States Navy in 1959 in Woodward, Oklahoma. After serving several years with the Navy, he then enlisted in service with the United States Air Force, retiring from military service in 1982 in Wichita Falls, Texas. After retiring from the military, Harlan worked as a rural mail carrier with the United States Postal Service.
On May 15, 1982, Harlan married Betty (Robinson) English in Wichita Falls, Texas. They enjoyed 33 years of marriage.
He was an avid fisherman and spent many hours lure fishing throughout Oklahoma.
He was highly involved with the Chickasha Elks Lodge #2125 where he had been a past Exalted Ruler from 1996-1997 and also served as Treasurer for many years. He was a trustee for two years and held all house committee positions and was a participant in many ritual competitions. He was named Elk of the Year two times and also won the flag tribute numerous times. Harlan loved being in charge of the kitchen and always lent his expertise in heading the hospitality suites.
Harlan dearly loved his grandchildren and enjoyed helping raise Michelle and Michael.
Harlan was preceded in death by both his parents and a brother, Jimmy Neal Harlan.
Survivors include his wife, Betty, of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Christi and Kevin O’Leary; son, Jimmy Harlin; son, Scotty Harlin; stepchildren and their spouses, David and Kelli English, Belinda “BJ” Mosley, Steven and Kathy English, Phillip and Deborah English and Carey and Anna English; thirteen grandchildren, Shelley Crull, Sarah Rosas, Sasha Lockamy, Emmalee English, Trevor McDaniel, Amber Mosley, Derrick English, Crystal English, Quent English, Michael English, Michelle Horn, Brandi Winkleman and Brittani Kneeland; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and other extended family and friends.
Services and interment in Fairlawn Cemetery are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.