Jerry Dayle Harlan

Jerry Dayle Harlan, age 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, January 12th. He was born on June 25, 1944 in Baytown, Texas, where he cultivated the values of faith, hard work, and optimism that defined his life.

Jerry graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown in 1962. Soon after, he married the love of his life, Regina Harlan, coincidently on his 21st birthday in 1965. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories, raising two children he adored: Anginette and Bruce. Later he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in transportation from the University of Houston in 1979.

Jerry’s professional journey reflected his dedication and expertise. He worked for Diamond Shamrock, which was later acquired by Oxy Chemical, for over 30 years, before transitioning to Ingram Industries, where he thrived in the transportation industry. His career took him to Nashville, Tennessee, where he and Regina lived for nearly a decade, creating lifelong friendships and enjoying new experiences. After retiring in 2006, they moved to New Braunfels, Texas, where Jerry lived out the remainder of his life surrounded by family and faith.

Jerry’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He devoted countless hours to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Baytown, where he oversaw the Confraternity of Christian Education (CCE) classes for many years. Even into his retirement he continued to volunteer at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church for the Gabriel Project whose purpose was to serve underprivileged families and children. His dedication to teaching and mentoring young people in their faith journey was a testament to his love for God and his church community.

In addition to his faith and family, Jerry had a deep passion for farming. He spent many years assisting farmers in the Baytown area, sharing his knowledge, time, and resources to support their efforts. Jerry’s love for the land and his willingness to lend a helping hand made a lasting impact on those he worked with.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Irene Harlan, his brother Charles Harlan, and his sister Sylvia Ludtke. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Regina Harlan; daughter Angie Johnston (Glen) and son Bruce Harlan (Dina). Jerry leaves behind a legacy of love in his grandchildren: Cristin Grandjean (Kevin), Jennifer McCollough (Greg), Colton Reed (Kasey), Lauren Guilbeau (Tyler), Alexis Lenz (Cody), Makenzie Schneider (Owen), Ashlyn Keller (Stephen), and Arika Harlan, as well as 12 great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy.

Jerry had a passion for life and embraced every moment. He spent time working as a marshal for Landa Golf Course in New Braunfels. He enjoyed playing golf and even more so organizing the Legends golf tournaments, vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, and spending precious time with his family and friends. His unwavering faith was the foundation of his life. As a devout Catholic, he lived with grace and compassion, serving as an inspiration to those around him.

He is now reunited with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and optimism.

Jerry’s family and friends will celebrate his remarkable life in a service at St. John’s Catholic Church in Baytown, Texas on Saturday, January 18th at 12:00 pm. The family will also receive friends for visitation at Earthman funeral home in Baytown on Friday, January 17th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Following the visitation there will be a rosary in his honor.

Those serving as pallbearers will be all his grandsons: Colton Reed, Cody Lenz, Stephen Keller, Kevin Grandjean, Greg McCollough, Tyler Guilbeau, and Owen Schnieder. Leon Januszewski and Harold Barber as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jerry’s name to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 386 N. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130. Please reference the Gabriel Project in the message or memo.

Jerry will be dearly missed but forever remembered by those whose lives he touched. May he rest in eternal peace.