Wilbur Lloyd Harlan, 94, of Llano dies Oct. 7, 2014
Wilbur Lloyd “Bill” Harlan passed peacefully in his sleep Oct. 7, 2014, at 94 years old. He was born in Houston on Feb. 16, 1920, to Charles T. and Mary Elizabeth Brown Harlan.
Bill served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Aleutian Islands as a radioman in a PBY sub hunter rescue plane. He had to “work’” to enlist as he was too tall at 6 feet 6½ inches. Squadron 143 was rushed to Alaska to stop the Japanese island hopping in the Battle of the Aleutian Islands in June 1942. That later became known as the “Forgotten War.”
Bill was a Master Mason and a member for more than 65 years. At his passing, he was a member of Lodge 242 in Llano. He was the first appointed bailiff of the district court and the Llano County Court, and he served for 17 years.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman and a proud member of the National Rifle Association.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 70 years, Ruth; son Charles; great-granddaughter, Kelly; and a host of friends.
Two sons preceded him in death: Richard Lloyd and Robert Benjamin Harlan.
A memorial service is 2 p.m. Oct. 20 at First Baptist Church in Llano with the Rev. Rick Cundieff officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial Bibles may be purchased and donated for distribution by the Gideons International’s worldwide Bible distribution program online at www.gideons.org or by calling (615) 564-5000.
Arrangements by Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300. Email whhfuneral1@verizon.net with condolences.