William Wendell Harlan

Having lived a long and meaningful life, William Wendell Harlan, age 95, of Amherst, Ohio passed away Friday, December 6, 2019 at the North Carolina State Veterans’ Home. Bill was born on Valentine’s Day (quite fitting as he WAS born with bright red hair) February 14,1924, He was a native of Lorain, Ohio, graduating from Lorain High in 1942. Bill served his country in WWII as an Aviation Electronic Technician’s Mate, First Class. After returning from his tour in England, he married Elaine Bruce in 1947. He was called back into the Navy Reserves during the Korean War, and was stationed in Norfolk, VA. He graduated with a DDS degree in 1957 from Western Reserve University where he was a member of the Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity. He and his family settled in Amherst, Ohio where he practiced dentistry until retiring in 1990. He was a member of the First Methodist Church and the Masonic Order 552 of Lorain. He was a community volunteer, was an active member of the Amherst Historical Society, and was instrumental in establishing the Amherst Community Chest. He was a member of the service organization Amherst Noon Day and belonged to the Oberlin Golf Club. Bill served as President of the Lorain County Dental Society. He was an avid antique clock collector, hunter and fisherman. He will be best remembered by his sense of humor, his many friends and his many parties, including hosting fifty annual clambakes with his wife, Elaine. His many funny nicknames included “Red,” “Good Time Charlie,” “Pa,” “Willy,” and “Stubby.” His parents, Walter and Thelma Harlan, his sister Betty, brother Tom, and many close friends preceded him in death. He was a devoted husband, a darling redheaded sailor to his wife Elaine, who passed away in 2011. Bill is survived by his children, Pamela Ribic of Centerville, Ohio; Hallie Krieg (Scott) of Austin, Texas; Kirk Harlan (Gale) of Clemmons, North Carolina, and four grandchildren and spouses, Slate Ribic (Katie Tansky); Sasha Ribic (Nate Farley); Quinn Dowling (James); and Carly Ferguson (Mike) and seven great grandchildren Parker and Henry Ribic, James, Lainey, and Grace Dowling, and Rhett and Colton Ferguson. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. There will be a private memorial for family. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Harlan family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

William Wendell Harlan

February 14, 1924 - December 6, 2019