John Edward Harlan, 91, of Greencastle, Indiana, passed of natural causes on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Hendricks Regional Hospital. He was born the second twin on December 20, 1934, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Jesse E. and Lovetta P. Harlan. While he was the younger and shorter brother, he always insisted he was the better looking one.
John proudly served in the US Army from 1957 to 1959, honorably discharged at the rank of SP4 with a Good Conduct Medal. He was a certified lithographic printing press operator and also a security guard for many years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a parishioner at Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Lovetta, his twin brother, Joseph Harlan; his wife, Rita (Windisch) Harlan, and his son, Mark Harlan.
John is survived by his daughter-in-law, Ann; grandchildren: Briana, Jennifer, Jackie, and Justine; seven great-grandchildren, and his most caring neighbor & chosen family member, Gina.
Services for John will be at 11:30am on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home. The service will be officiated by Father Edward. Visitation will take place from 10:00am until service time.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Doctors Without Borders.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day" 2 Timothy 4:7-8 kjv
