Robert Ernest Harlan

Bob was born March 3, 1932 in Manila, Arkansas. His family moved to Houston, Texas in 1941. Bob was in the San Jacinto High School class of ’50.

In 1950 he joined the Marines. He was in 4 major combat operations in Korea (Pusan Perimeter, Inchon/Seoul, Chosin Reservoir, and Operation Killer) with the 3rd Bat. 5th Marines from 8/2/50 to 4/27/51. When he was discharged from the regulars in 1954, he transferred into the Austin Marine Reserve Unit. When he left the Marines in 1964, he was First Sgt of the Austin Marine Reserve Unit. He attended the University of Texas from 1954-1959.

In 1957 Robert married Irene Messenger in Houston, Texas, and they moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas together. Robert and Irene loved Ballroom Dancing, and participated in both couple and individual competitions.

In 1975, he started a screen-printing business, Austin Screen Graphics, Inc. He retired in the fall of 2005 to devote time to his family and his latest hobby, SCUBA diving.

Bob was a member of the University Hills Optimist Club. He also coached Pop Warner Football for several years. Bob was a member of Masonic Reagan Lodge 1037, in Houston, Texas for 72 years. At the time of his death, he was serving on the board of directors for the veterans organization “The Chosin Few” and he was serving as a member of the Parish Council of St. Augustine’s Orthodox Church, in Pflugerville, Texas.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Lucile Harlan. He is survived by his wife, Irene Harlan; his son, Bruce Harlan & wife Tina Harlan; his daughter, Beverly Musgrove and husband Bruce Musgrove. Bob is also survived by his grandchildren Bobby Harlan, Jimmie Johnson and wife Jessica Johnson, Catherine Sadler, and husband Jake Sadler. Additionally, Bob is survived by his great-grandchildren, Parker & Layton Johnson, and Slate & Stone Sadler. Bob’s sisters, Ruby Fercho, Beverly Hillard, Janet Robertson, and brother John Harlan and wife Barbara Harlan, also survive him.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 21st at 10am at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive Austin, Texas. Burial of his ashes with Military Honors will follow at Austin Memorial Park.

Immediately following please join us for a reception at:

The North Austin Lions Club

1103 Justin Lane

Austin TX 78714

For those unable to attend the service will be livestreamed at:

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25059304319612

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “The Chosin Few,” at ChosinFew.org, or to his church, St. Augustine’s Orthodox Church, at staugustineswro.com .