John Henry “Whitey” Harlan was born the son of John Luther Harlan and Etta Deliah (Cunningham) Harlan on August 24, 1924 at Elkton, Illinois, and departed this life December 28, 2014 at West Vue Nursing Center in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 90 years.
He was united in marriage on September 8, 1953 at Lincoln, Illinois, to Helen A. Jackson.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Helen Harlan of the home in Koshkonong, Missouri; six children, Billy Jackson and wife, Sarah of Springfield, Missouri, Bobby Henson and wife, Pat of Kansas City, Missouri, Dennis Henson and wife, Sue of West Plains, Missouri, Kathy Bentzel of Alton, Missouri, John E. Harlan and wife, Judy of West Plains, Missouri, and Debbie Shultz and husband, Willie of Caney, Kansas; one daughter-in-law, Penny Harlan of Koshkonong, Missouri; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John L. and Etta Harlan; one daughter, Ellen Marie Harlan; one son, James E. Harlan; one grandson, Billy Ray Jackson; three brothers, Arthur Vanover, William Harlan, and Louis Harlan; and five sisters, Carrie McCracken, Marie Ragland, Pearl Rogers, Opal Prince and infant sister, Lottie Harlan.
John was a trader at heart. He enjoyed attending auctions and looking for a bargain at flea markets or yard sales. He also bought older vehicles and salvaged parts for resale. “Whitey,” as most friends and neighbors knew him, was best known for his fruit and vegetable stand where you would find some of the best produce, be greeted with a friendly smile, and enjoy a great conversation.
He loved being on the farm and taking care of his cows, but his greatest pride and joy was his grandchildren. He always looked forward to their visits and they will always remember grandpa telling his stories.
John was a member of the Riverside Baptist Church in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
He will fondly be remembered as a devoted husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa. He will truly be missed by his family and the community in which he lived.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, December 31, 2014, at 2:00 PM at the Wayside Union Church near Koshkonong.
The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, December 30th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.
Burial will be in the Wayside Cemetery near Koshkonong with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wayside Union Church or Wayside Cemetery, and may be left at the funeral home.
January 5, 2015 @ 7:42 am
Kathy and family, We are so sorry for you loss. Thoughts are with you at this difficult time.