Delbert Harlan

Delbert G. Harlan Sr., 85, of Columbus and Punta Gorda, FL, was called home to Jesus, on January 19, 2019, surrounded by loving family and friends. Born to the late Floyd E and Bertie Harlan in Columbus, OH, Delbert was preceded in death by his wife, best friend and love of his life, of 57 years, Blanche E. Harlan. He was also preceded in death by loving granddaughter Julie "Sunshine" Harlan Maynard, his "hero" brother Floyd and brothers Paul (Jack) and Kenneth Harlan.

Survivors include his much loved children: daughter Bonnie (Charles) Reed; sons, Delbert (Mary) and Michael (Beth) Harlan and adopted daughter Barbara Fisher; grandchildren, Grady Maynard, Charlie (George) Lesko, Kayleigh (Kyle) Curtis, Sidney Dillon, Lillian Harlan; great-grandchildren, Ana A. Maynard, Rylie S. Maynard, Caiden J. Lesko and Jonathan Curtis; sisters, Regina Oaks and Lillian Ruth (Bob) Phelps. Sisters-in-law Bea Ireland and Mary (Susie) Ireland, brother in-law, William H. (Esther) Ireland; special nephews Kevin (Jennifer) Harlan and William Lowman and Niece Pat McFall. A host of nieces and nephews; special friends, Bill (Sarah) Turner, Robert (Cathy) Beck, Rick and Roxie Brayshaw, Gary and Sue Goodrich, best friends Von Erler and Larry Bates and his loving friends in Punta Gorda and at Central Ave Church of Christ.

Delbert was a master carpenter; show him a picture he could make it. He was a hard worker and a product of the depression/WWII era. He began his career building for Rae Columbus, Style Right Homes and Cardinal Industries; where he was Plant Manager and Trouble Shooter for 32 years. He ended his working career of 16 years with the State of Ohio; Department of Taxation.

He was a child of God, who never lost his faith, through an incredibly difficult trial. He witnessed and professed his faith and love of God, Life, Family and Friends until his last breaths. Our blessing was he was able to live a vibrant and independent life, in a place he loved, until early December. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, great-grandfather, Uncle and friend to all the "neighborhood kids".

Between 1966 and 1982, he and Blanche founded the "Harlan's Darlin's" organization that specialized in perpetuating friendships between teens in the Franklinton area of Columbus. Delbert had an unquestioned faith in God and often offered testimony at the Church and to anyone who would listen.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in his memory, to Central Ave Church of Christ, 192 S. Central Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43223 or in his memory, to Tidewell Hospice House, who facilitated a beautiful transition to his heavenly home, 1158 Veronica St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8pm, Monday, January 28, 2019 at Newcomer, SW Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH. A funeral service will begin at 1 pm, Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at the funeral home. Officiating are the Reverends Gary Kirk and Mark Jordan. Burial will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery.