Justin Wayne Harlan, 40, beloved son, brother, uncle and grandson, left his mark on this world before seeing his heavenly Father on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. Justin was born Thursday, February 11, 1982, to Karen (Fletcher) and Wayne Harlan.
He lived his whole life in Onia, Arkansas. He graduated in 2000 from Timbo High School and soon after went to work for KFFB radio. There he drove his 1939 Ford truck to area town festivals and events, representing the radio station. At age 16, Justin went to work for Noacon Construction Company, where he was known for being hard working and for being willing to do anything. He was also known for never giving up, and seeing the job done to the very end.
Building long-lasting relationships was another one of Justin’s characteristics. The apple of his eye was his niece Whitney. To Whitney, his name was simply “Uncle”. There was no special request he wouldn’t do for her, doing everything from playing games to singing to playing outside with her. Other beautiful relationships he built were with his two grandmothers, Marie Fletcher and Patricia Harlan. To them, Justin did no wrong, and to Justin, they did no wrong. Plus, Justin laughed at their jokes!
Justin showed his faith in Jesus in many ways, but especially through serving his church. He went on three mission trips, to Mexico, Honduras, and Montana. But Justin’s special gift was in the puppet ministry. There he brought to life more than twenty puppets, using different voices and giving each puppet their own unique personality. Children would laugh and smile and were brought closer to knowing the Lord. Kids were also drawn to Justin through other creative endeavors at church, like face painting. Where Justin was, there were always children around. Justin had the innate ability to get down on a child’s level and play and joke around with them, laughter being heard by all.
When not working at Noacon or the church, you could find Justin displaying his talents in woodworking and drawing. He made many Christmas gifts and you were blessed if you received one of them. Around the house, Justin’s artwork is displayed, showing his cartoons, his playfulness, and his creativity.
Food was never far from Justin’s thoughts, which you would never guess by his slim frame. He finished each night with a big bowl of ice cream.
Laughter from the basement could be heard each night Justin was home. He enjoyed watching television, movies, and cartoons, treating all those around to the joy he got out of these. But that’s not only when Justin laughed. He listened to jokes, told jokes and stories and just knew how to have a good time. Justin loved spending time with his family. He was dependable and tender-hearted.
Justin will be missed by all who know him. Whether it’s his parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece, grandparents, work buddies, church family, aunts, uncles, cousins, children, or friends, Justin impacted every life he touched.
Justin is preceded in death by; his two grandfathers, Elmer Fletcher and Maurice Harlan as well as his aunt, Jeannie Fletcher.
He is survived by; his parents, Karen (Fletcher) Harlan, Wayne Harlan; brother, Brandon Harlan (Anna); grandmothers, Marie (Lee) Fletcher, Patricia (Lyons) Harlan; beloved niece, Whitney Harlan; a “bunch” of cousins, many aunts and uncles, a caring work family and numerous friends of all sizes.
Visitation for Justin will be 5-7 PM Saturday, December 31, 2022, at Bethany Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Onia, Arkansas. Funeral Services will be 2 PM Sunday, January 1, 2023, at Bethany Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Pordue Cemetery in Onia, Arkansas. Brothers Gary Don Fletcher and Roy Jones will officiate. Pallbearers will be Brandon Harlan, Shawn Fletcher, Nathanael Fletcher, Samuel Fletcher, Jett Fletcher, and Luke Fletcher. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ben Lockett, Rorrie Lockett, Jared McPike, Colby McPike, Chase Schroeder, Nathan Ware, Larry Fletcher, Dale Fletcher, Jim Jongeling, Brian Northup, Brian Fuqua, Keith Martin, and Teddy Ragan.
