Charles Harland

CHARLES E. HARLAND

Charles Everett Harland, age 60, of rural Farmington, IA, died Monday, April 27, 2009 at his home. He had bravely fought a long, courageous battle with brain cancer.

He was born January 18, 1949, in Shelbina, MO, to Ellery and Norma Snider Harland.

He married Lois Jean White on June 25, 1972 in Anson, MO, and they spent nearly 37 years teaching, farming, and enjoying their daughter, Tara.

Charlie graduated from South Shelby High School in 1967 and received his B.A. Degree in Mathematics Education from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in 1971, and his Masters Degree in Secondary School Administration in 1979.

He taught math and was assistant football coach at Westran School District in Huntsville, MO and at Clark County R-1 Schools in Kahoka, MO. He later taught math at Revere C-3 School in Revere, MO.

Mr. Harland began farming full time in 1987 and loved working with his cattle, crops, and machinery; especially his tractors. He enjoyed reading, golfing, camping, going to farm auctions and antique tractor exhibits, sitting under the shade tree in the front yard, and drinking coffee at the Bridge Café.

Survivors include his wife, Lois, of the home; one daughter, Tara Beth Harland of Jefferson City, MO; his father, Ellery Harland and his wife, Dorothy, of Shelbina, MO; five siblings: Ken (Ginger) Harland of Jefferson City, MO, Barb Talbert of Monroe City, MO, and, Kathy (Jim) Thompson, Gene (Connie) Harland, and Ed Harland, all of Shelbina, MO; also by other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma Harland; aunts and uncle, Mary Margaret Snider, Jim and Lorene Kidwell; a cousin, Kelli Kidwell, all of Shelbina, MO; his in-laws, Harold and Naomi White of Farmington, IA; and brother-in-law, Trooper Talbert of Monroe City, MO.

Charles was a member of Blue Key Service Organization, Missouri State Teachers Association, local Teacher's Associations, the Anson Community Church Board, and Revere C-3 School Board. Most dear to his heart was his service in the Gideon's International, where he enjoyed placing Bibles in local hotels and giving New Testaments to 5th graders in area schools each year. The Gideon's also purchase and place Bibles in numerous countries around the globe.

He belonged to the Shelbina Methodist Church and later became a member of Anson Community Church, Amazing Grace Bible Church, and presently attended Bonaparte (Ia) Baptist Church.

Charlie was a kind, gentle man who loved the Lord. He loved his family and friends, and always treated others with courtesy and respect. He was a humble man of few words and lived his faith through his actions.

A funeral service celebrating his life was held Thursday, April 30, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Pastor Mark Caston officiating. Burial was in the Christy Cemetery, Acasto, MO.

Memorials are suggested to the Gideon's International for Bibles, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, or Blessing Hospice Service of Hancock, Co.