Frank W. Harlan

Frank W. Harlan, 86, of Temple, died Friday, February 17, 2017, at home in Temple surrounded by close family and friends.

Mr. Harlan was born August 13, 1930 in Temple, the son of Dr. Rudolph Keener Harlan and Ruth Doering Harlan. He graduated from Temple High School in 1947 and attended Temple Junior College and Schriener Institute in Kerrville. He joined the United States Air Force with several friends in 1950 at the beginning of the Korean War. He trained and served at three different Air Force bases. While stationed at Elmondorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, Mr. Harlan worked with Base operations in air Traffic Control. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and devoted four years to the Air Force.

Frank married Elizabeth Anne (Bettye) Logan of Victoria on August 30, 1951.

He owned and operated Harlan’s Sporting Goods and Hobby Shop before going to work for the US Post Office. He retired as Chief Expeditor after 25 years. Frank belonged to various organizations, leagues clubs and associations.

He was an active life time member of the First Lutheran Church of Temple where he volunteered his time and served on various committees. He was a member of the church council and served as secretary of the church.

Mr. Harlan was founder of the first fishing organization in temple, “The Temple Plug Fishing Association” later known as the “Temple Bass Club”. He was an avid outdoorsman with a love for adventure, wildlife, fishing, especially offshore fishing, hunting, birdwatching, Native American archeology and geology. He participated in several bowling leagues, was a Boy Scout leader and counselor. He held a pilot’s license and loved designing, building, and flying model airplanes. He volunteered time with the Santa Fe Railroad Heritage Museum and donated Indian artifacts to the Bell County Museum. Frank enjoyed music, particularly the piano. His favorite was “Sentimental Journey” and he was known to moon walk with his walker to the Michael Jackson song “I Want To Rock With You” which he renamed “The Coffee Pot Song”. He also loved to travel with his wife and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Frank Logan Harlan, and wife Bettye Logan Harlan.

Survivors include a daughter Ruthanna Harlan Bigham and husband John, a brother, John Lewis Harlan, Sr., two grandchildren, two great grandchildren, two step grandchildren and one step great grandson, a sister-in-law Nancy Hanna Baurax and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church of Temple, 1515 West Adams, Temple, Texas 76504, the Ronald McDonald House 2415 South 47th Street, Temple, Texas 76504 or the Charity of your choice.

Dossman Funeral Home is in charge of private services.