Lyndell “Buzz” Harlan

Lyndell “Buzz” Harlan, 73, Philadelphia, Mo., passed away at 9:42 a.m., Thursday, Oct.12, 2023, at his home in Philadelphia.

Buzz was born Dec. 24, 1949, in Hannibal, Mo., to Ralph and Ethel Lee Branham Harlan. He married Ruth Ann Huff on Sept. 13, 1969, at the First Baptist Church in Palmyra. Ruth Ann preceded him in death on Aug. 6, 2021.

Survivors include his children, Jeff Harlan (Mary), Topeka, Kan,l Angela (Brian) Oles, Philadelphia, Mo.; brothers, Larry Harlan (Sharon), Palmyra, Mo.; and Rick Harlan of Monroe City, Mo.; sisters, Donna Sue Goodman (Brad), Canton, Mo.; and Phyllis Drebenstedt (Dale), Shelbyville, Mo.; grandchildren, Morgen Oles, Dakota Oles, Skyler Oles, Logan Harlan and Sydney Harlan; great-grandchildren, Layton Oles, Ryker Oles, Easton Oles; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Buzz was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 51 years, Ruth Ann Harlan; brothers, James, Maurice, Robert, William and Leroy Harlan; and sisters, Christine Harlan, Imogene Harlan, Gladys Schleiermacher and Janet Miller.

After high school, Buzz joined the United States Air Force, serving his country during the Vietnam War. 

A machinist by trade, Buzz started out at Gardner Denver in Quincy, Ill., and then working for Harris Broadcast for many years before his retirement.

Growing up with such a large family, Buzz learned early on to rely on mother nature to provide for his family. The outdoors became his playground, spending his free time hunting coyotes, quail and deer, or heading to the river or local lakes to fish. Over the years, he became quite adept at trapping animals for fur and took great pleasure in trap and long-distance shooting. Re-loading ammunition became another favorite past time, as it left him in quiet solitude while he took great care in making new shells and taking care of his guns. 

Buzz taught hunter safety education as a way to help ensure safety in the sport. Over the years, he held other pursuits such as amateur photography at weddings, and even astronomy. Buzz had a master gardeners green thumb and could convince anything to thrive and grow.  

The year he was chosen as an Honor Flight participant, giving him the opportunity to visit the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., was a cherished memory. It game him the chance to look back and remember those he served with during the war. 

Although, not the best cook he made a mean apple crisp that everyone loved. He liked to laugh and have a good time, and he was always able to make new friends. He was a wonderful husband, great brother and loving father who will be dearly missed.

A graveside service, with full military rites performed by American Legion Post #174 Boots-Dickson, will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Philadelphia Cemetery in Philadelphia, Mo.

Pallbearers will be Dakota Oles, Logan Harlan, Morgen Oles and Skyler Oles.

 Memorials may be made to the Marion County R-II lunch program.

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute may be viewed at www.LewisBrothersFuneralChapel.com.