Harlan E. Smith

Harlan E. Smith, 81, of Houston, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Allan Francis and Jettie Imolette Smith, on July 10, 1930. Harlan graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston, Texas in 1948, and attended the University of Texas studying Geology until he joined the United States Army.

After serving our country as a Commissioned Officer in the Korean War, Harlan established himself as a well-respected businessman in the Houston area. Mr. Smith owned and managed a number of home building and land development companies, most notably negotiating the purchase of the 5,300-acre Cinco Ranch property in 1984. Harlan was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed countless fishing trips with his children and grandchildren in the Gulf of Mexico. As part of his military service, business travels, and a personal desire to see the world, Harlan traveled widely across Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

Harlan is survived by his two children: daughter Laura Moorman and her husband Robert, and son David Smith. Harlan is also survived by two grandchildren: Lisa Quattrini and her husband Matthew; Patrick Smith and his wife Emily; and two great-grandchildren: Connor and Hannah.

A Memorial gathering honoring Harlan’s life will be held from 5 to 7 PM Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to help war veterans, through www.helpingahero.org.