Oliver Preston Harlan Jr.

Services for Oliver P. Harlan, Jr. will be held Friday, March 21, 2014, at 2PM, in the Sanctuary at First Baptist Church, Broadway and Avenue V, with burial ceremonies to follow in the City of Lubbock Cemetery. Oliver passed away Monday afternoon after a valiant and courageous struggle with a lengthy illness. His peaceful death came with family and loved ones gathered at his side. Known by some as O.P., and by many others as “Sleepy”, Oliver was born August 13, 1924 in Stamford, Texas, the son of Oliver P. Sr. and Elnora Harlan. He and his parents moved to Lubbock in 1930, and they became active members of the young community. Oliver graduated from Lubbock High School in 1941 and began a pursuit of an engineering education at Texas Tech. World War II intervened, and Oliver proudly served his country as an Ensign with the US Navy, stationed in various locales in the Atlantic. At war’s end, he returned to Texas Tech and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1947. While at Tech, he was a member of the Centaurs (Phi Kappa Psi), and became an avid fan of all Red Raider sports. It was also at Texas Tech that he met the love of his life, Alyce Howell, while both were in the Campus Bookstore. They married in Lubbock almost 65 years ago, and began their life journey together. Not long after, Oliver started an innovative career as a Manufacturer’s Representative for the mechanical needs of the West Texas construction industry. As a licensed Professional Engineer by both the states of Texas and New Mexico, he founded and operated Harlan Engineering Company, and with it provided design specifications, quotations and sales of many mechanical necessities to the burgeoning commercial building industry. His involvement in this field lasted more than a half-century, and covered virtually every major construction project from the top of the Panhandle to the Permian Basin. In recent years, Oliver had continued his good work, serving as a consulting engineer for Fanning, Fanning and Associates in Lubbock. In 1999, Oliver was admitted to Texas Tech’s Academy of Mechanical Engineers in recognition for outstanding contributions to the profession. Oliver loved Lubbock, and served it in many ways. He was a Rotarian, and was a member of Lubbock’s Airport Board between 1960 and 1964, and again from 1970 to 1974. He guided the Board as Chairman from 1963 to 1964, and again from 1971 to 1972. During this second term, the current Lubbock International Airport was under design and construction. Oliver also served as a member of Lubbock Power and Light’s Electric Utility Board in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. He is survived by his wife, Alyce, of Lubbock, daughter Sally Robinson and husband Dennis of Lubbock, son Mark and wife Diane of Lubbock, and son Harry of Hobbs, NM. Serving as pallbearers are grandsons Jason Robinson, Jesse Robinson and Matt Harlan, and Scott Fanning, Doyle Fanning and Marcus Keslin. Honorary pallbearers are Harry Mayes, Norris Fanning and Bud Reeds. Visitation will be held Thursday evening at 7PM at Sanders Funeral Home, 1420 Main Street in Lubbock. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honorariums to the Southwest Parkinson Society or to First Baptist Church. Oliver was an avid pilot, who loved flying private aircraft throughout much of his life. In this moment we are reminded of his affection, knowing he has truly “slipped the surly bonds of earth … put out his hand and touched the face of God.” Donations can be made to Southwest Parkinson's Society, 3610 22nd Street Suite 300, Lubbock, Texas 79410.

Oliver Preston Harlan Jr.

August 13, 1924 - March 17, 2014