  Mary Elliott Harlan 30 September 1939 - 10 August 1977 d/o Don & Lilly M. Elliott w/o Jerry H. Harlan  Sandra 'Sandi' Harlan 11 June 1944 - 16 March 1995 d/o Winfield & Janice Rogers w/o Melvin Harlan   Services for Melvin Hugh Harlan were held Wednesday, October 11 at Dannel Funeral Home, Sherman with Pastor Kevin George officiating. Interment followed in Friendship Cemetery. Pallbearers were Henry Salisbury, Mike Chouteau, Rocky Trankle, Edgar Serrano, Johnny Lee Godsey, and Kenny Henry. Mr. Harlan, 76, died Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Texoma Medical Center of Denison. Melvin was born September 25, 1941 in Goree, Texas to Eleazer Vernon Harlan, Jr. and Lily Faye Culwell Harlan. The family moved to Southmayd, Texas in 1947. Melvin attended Southmayd schools and graduated in 1960. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served 1960-1964 during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Ft. Hood in the 2D Armored Division, also known as "Hell on Wheels". During his enlistment when not at Ft. Hood, he traveled overseas to various countries. While in the Army he achieved the rank of Sergeant, an accomplishment he was very proud of. He was honored to have served his country and took great pride in being a veteran. In 1976 he graduated from Richland College with an Associate Degree in Applied Arts and Science. Melvin began building his work resume early in life. As a boy he worked for Mr. Fallon on his farm working cattle. Often beginning his day at 4 a.m. before school and then going back after school to do his evening chores. While in high school during his junior and senior years, Melvin was a bus driver for the Southmayd schools. He often reminisced about the memories he made as a bus driver, and they were some of his favorite stories to tell. After his discharge from the Army, he returned to Sherman and began working at Hardwick Etter. Over the years he was employed by Collins Radio, Crookham and Vessels, and All States Railroad. In 1991 Melvin began MH Railroad Construction. He loved building and repairing railroads and made many lifetime friends through his business. It was at Hardwick Etter where he connected with Sandra Rogers, On July 5, 1968, they were married in Durant, Oklahoma. They had two children, E.V. and Scott. Melvin was known of his love of people and animals. He seldom met a stranger and always loved the time he spent with his friends. He especially loved his goats. Over the years he and his longtime girlfriend Kaye expanded his herd down at her ranch in Junction, Texas. He loved the time he spent with Kaye and was so thankful for her love and support during their time together. Melvin was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the VFW and Elks Lodge. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sandra Rogers Harlan; brother, Jerry Harlan; and nephew, Michael Harlan. He is surived by his sons, E.V. Harland, III and wife, Kerry; grandchildren, Kylie and Jackson Harlan; Scott Harland and girlfriend, Carin Purdom, children Devin Jackson and Addisin Purdom, all of Sherman; girlfriend, Kaye Black of Junction; brother, Vernon Harlan and wife, Peggy; niece, Mary Martha Russell and husband, Paul; nephews, Don Harlan and wife, Lee; and Matt Harlan and wife, Ryan; and numerous great nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Disabled Veterans Association (TDVA), P.O. Box 4023, Bergheim, Texas 78004; or American Kidney Fund, 119121 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, Maryland 20852 in Melvin Hugh Harlan's memory.  Friendship Cemetery Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |