Richard L. Harlan

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Richard L. Harlan died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, at the age of 65 at the Valparaiso VNA Hospice.

He was the oldest child of Robert and Bernice (Crumley) Harlan of Lafayette, Ind. Dick was a resident of Valparaiso for the past 20 years.

Born in Williamsport, Ind., on Sept. 22, 1946, Dick Harlan was a graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School and attended Purdue University.

He served his country as a member of the Air Force during the Vietnam War before being honorably discharged.

An avid sports fan and broadcaster, Dick could be heard and seen announcing Valparaiso High School and Valparaiso University football and basketball games for nearly two decades. He took great pride in being a sportscaster for more than 40 years, including a stint at WJNZ radio (now WREB), Greencastle.

When not behind the microphone, he could be found on local golf courses.

A volunteer in the true sense of the word, Dick was a prominent member of the Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis Club along with several other organizations. He served as Kiwanis Club president in 2001-02, was named Kiwanian of the Year in 2004 and earned Distinguished Lieutenant Governor status in 2004-05. Dick was a man of faith and a friend to all who met him.

Dick Harlan was preceded in death by his father, Robert Harlan, and his brother, Wesley Harlan.

He is survived by his mother, Bernice (Crumley) Harlan of Lafayette; his brothers, Larry Harlan of Lyles, Tenn., and Forest (Tammy) Harlan of Ashland City, Tenn.; his sister, Jeanette (Pearlie) Braden of Lafayette; and his children TR Harlan of Valparaiso, and Nicki (Dan) Williamson of Bloomington. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Katherine Williamson and Jack Williamson, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Dick Harlan will be 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso. A short memorial service will begin at 5 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Valparaiso Kiwanis Foundation, American Cancer Society and the Valparaiso VNA Hospice. MoellerFuneralHome.com