Dr. Harlan Clay Van Over

1922-2021

Dr. Harlan Clay Van Over, 98, of Evansville, Indiana passed away on January 9, 2021. He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Joan S. Van Over, his daughter Cheryl Joel Van Over, and his granddaughter Ainsley and grandson Stuart.

In Harlan’s meaningful and purposeful life, he achieved all of the goals he set for himself, as he also fulfilled his obligations. He helped others define and reach their own goals, always respecting that each person’s path is different. As Harlan wrote in his memoir (Where to From Here) published in 2017, “The ebb and flow of events throughout our lives make individuals akin to snowflakes, with each person’s journey as different as each crystal.” His mantra was “Not possible today, possible tomorrow. You only fail if you don’t try.” He inspired his colleagues, his many students, his friends, and his family to find their own paths with respect, discipline, and courage, as he lived the example of his words in his actions.

Harlan lived through the 1930’s great depression in Evansville with his mother, father, and four older brothers as a family of very modest means. Harlan excelled at school and sports with the guidance and encouragement of his mentors, playing varsity baseball throughout his high school years with four good friends and started a community league as an adult. After working as a tool and die maker he joined the Air Force to serve in WWII as an aerial gunner and then a toggler, on a B-17. He flew 35 missions from England as a part of Squadron 533 and survived (with his crew) a crash landing in a Holland turnip field, rescued by British forces as nearby opposing forces approached.

Following his military service, Harlan excelled as a tool and die maker and plant superintendent, saved for college, and married Joan (nee Anderson) Van Over in May 1947. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering (Univ. of Colorado), and a PhD in Business Administration (St. Louis University) while working full time in industry as Manager of Manufacturing and Engineering at Conductron Corp. and then as Director of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering at Oak Industries Inc. He brought his work experience to his business students at ISUE/ USI and to his students at the Univ. of North Dakota and Western New Mexico University, Silver City, where he moved to retire after teaching at ISUE/USI. But Harlan was quickly drawn from retirement to teach and become the Dean of Academic Affairs at Western New Mexico University. Harlan taught until 1997 and became a competitive race walker in Silver City, NM, where he also built the home of his dreams on a 7000 ft. mountain ridge. He returned to Evansville after retiring from academe at age 75. Harlan was revered by many of his students who consistently rated him a top professor. He tutored any student willing to work hard and do their best. Returning to Evansville, Harlan rekindled many friendships, playing golf with his friends, playing a bit of friendly poker, and focusing in earnest on his journey in Taekwondo.

At age 59, Harlan began to study Taekwondo, bringing his discipline and passion ultimately to become a 6th degree black belt at 90 years old and then a master instructor with the ATA, under the guidance of his committed mentors to whom he was immensely grateful, some who continue to teach in Evansville and elsewhere. The YouTube videos featuring Harlan are a tribute to his own commitment and strength of purpose. He was the oldest student in the world to achieve his status as a 6th degree black belt and as a master instructor, a “leader of leaders”. Along his long path, he also became a world champion in sparring as a second degree black belt in 1999, defeating the much younger number one ranked competitor, earning a gold medal and the respect of his peers and his students who he loved to teach. Yet, becoming a master instructor coincided with yet another unfinished goal: writing his memoir. He completed his Memoir, Where to From Here, at age 95 with the encouragement of his friends, his mentors, and his family. He inspires the awareness of this choice --Where to From Here-- to empower each person’s path.

In Harlan’s Memoir, he described the unfolding of his meaningful life, as well as reflecting on his inevitable death. He offered the following poem, Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep, by Mary Elizabeth Frye:

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die…

A memorial service to celebrate Harlan’s life will be held as soon as possible in Evansville when it is safe for all. If you would like notice, please email his daughter, Cheryl Joel (known as Joelle) at [email protected]. She will also provide an electronic copy of Harlan’s Memoir upon request. Donations in Harlan’s honor may be made to a charitable organization of your choice, perhaps honoring his love of the outdoors, nature, and animals, or as you are inspired by your own life.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com