of Onia, AR
February 11, 1982 - December 28, 2022
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, 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, to 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 was 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 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 2PM 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.
Roller-Crouch is in charge of arrangements.
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71 Condolence(s)
Denny & Jeana Drebenstedt
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Wayne, Karen and family,
We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved son. He obviously touched many people in his lifetime, and it is evident he was raised in a loving family. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
John Hefley and Joan Robinson
Monday, January 2, 2023
Dear Wayne and Karen:
We’re so very sorry for your loss. Words fail us at times like this. But we know your life with Justin was full of love and laughter, and his absence has left a huge hole in your hearts, and the hearts of everyone Justin loved, and who loved him.
May the loving embrace of Family and Friends, along with the God’s Grace shepherd you along this dark path.
With Love,
Your Vermont Friends,
John and Joan
Amanda Lewis (Moore)
Monday, January 2, 2023
We are so deeply sorry your loss. The family is in our prayers.
Patsy and Jimmy Treat
Sunday, January 1, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss. We didn’t know your son, but he sounds like a special person. I know Karen from Big Flat school where she was the school nurse. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Don & Julie Rodgers
Sunday, January 1, 2023
Dear Wayne & Karen and Family,
We're Praying God's Hands will comfort you as only He can. The loss of such a young man as Justin is an extreme loss, but as you both well know we serve a God that can deal with extremes like none other! We offer our Sincerest Condolences today with our Prayers for brighter days ahead, as we look to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for Hope and The Peace that passes all understanding.
God's Richest Grace and Mercy for you All today!
Much Love and Prayers,
Don & Julie
John W Calaway
Sunday, January 1, 2023
We are sending love and prayers to your family. God is with you and will give you peace.
Pam Partee
Sunday, January 1, 2023
We are sorry to about your loss. Each of yall are in our prayers.
Valarie King
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Justin was an amazing person. He will be greatly missed! I will always remember bus rides to and from school and our friendship. Praying for you all.
Vicki and Nathan Fletcher
Saturday, December 31, 2022
I am so very very sorry for your pain of loss. Every time I think of Justin he has that sweet confident smile on his face. Y'all raised him well in the Lord.
Now he's in good company with Uncle Elmer, Stanley Beare, Ricky Fletcher. and Jesus! We rejoice in Justin's life with us, and know we will see him again with Jesus.
Denny Anderson
Saturday, December 31, 2022
You have my thoughts and prayers.. your family was very important in my life when attending church at Gaylor. I watched the Fletcher family influence a lot of people in a positive manner. Very sorry for your loss.
Valarie King
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Justin was an amazing person. He will be greatly missed! I will always remember bus rides to and from school and our friendship. Praying for you all.
Keith Clark
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Karen, Wayne and Brandon
I was blessed to have known and to have Justin as a student.
May God comfort you during this time of sorrow.
Keith and Marsha Clark
Bob Reeves
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Myron Morrison
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Wayne , Karen and Brandon
My thoughts and prayers are with you. People I know on the other side of the world have you in their prayers as well.
Elva Rachel Rhodes
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Love you, Little Buddy! Rest in peace.
Eddie Powell
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Sorry for the family lost, my God see you all through this very hard time.
Steven & JoAnne Hill
Saturday, December 31, 2022
There are no words that are adequate. Please know we love y’all and we are praying for you every day.
Michael & Peggy Tinkle
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Praying that you'll be surrounded by God's comforting love and filled with peace that only he can give. As you face the uncertainties that lie ahead know that the thoughts and prayers of family and friends are with you.
Deepest Sympathy,
Mike & Peggy Tinkle
Charlotte Parker
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Sending love and prayers to all of you at this difficult time. I am so sorry. Praying for God’s comfort with each passing day.
Rowdy and Carrie Ross
Saturday, December 31, 2022
So sorry for your loss. We are praying for your family.
Tim & Connie Haney
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Many prayers for your family. He was such a sweet person and heart of gold. No works can ease your pain right now but his love will always be with you. Love and prayers for healing â¤ï¸
Rick harlan
Friday, December 30, 2022
Wayne and karen i am.really sorry about your lose it will get better in time believe me ive been there
Ron Simpson
Friday, December 30, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss and heavens gain. Justin was always a kind delight to be near. I know Justin is rejoicing now, praising and smiling.
Praying for your dear family.
Eric Gammill
Friday, December 30, 2022
My fondest memory’s of Justin is that he always had a way of making you feel special. He truly cared for others.
Ernie Hunt
Friday, December 30, 2022
With Deepest sympathy
Danny & Martha Simmons
Friday, December 30, 2022
Praying for the family and friends. He was always a joy to be around. Always had such a great smile with his whole face. It was like he was so glad to see you. He will truly be missed by all that ever had the opportunity to meet him.
Peggy Wheeler-Estrada
Friday, December 30, 2022
I don't even know what to say or where to start about Justin. He was the absolute kindest, big-hearted, precious young man who touched the hearts of everyone he met. I am so proud to call him my cousin. He was raised in a wonderful home with God being part of his everyday life. One of the hardest things in life is losing a child. I am sure that Heavenly Father needed Justin to be with him. You will be missed Justin. Fly high with the angels.
Sherri Stewart
Friday, December 30, 2022
My thoughts and prayers ar with you during this difficult transition.
Sheridan Watts
Friday, December 30, 2022
My condolences to you Wayne, Karen and Brandon. Justin was hands down one of the nicest people I ever met. Lots of good memories from the old days that I’ll always think back on fondly. Praying for you all.
Cathy Sisk
Friday, December 30, 2022
So sorry for your loss. I just can’t imagine. Praying for you!â¤ï¸
Bob
Friday, December 30, 2022
Wayne, Karen, and Brandon,
Bob and Fred (Fred now lives in Texas) are the only ones left of the remote team that worked with Justin, he brought such joy to our lives during those days...He had a real gift of bringing smiles everywhere we would go! One of our treasures from Justin was a sketch, from 2001, that he drew for us!
Our thoughts and prayers,
Bob and Pamela Connell
Bobby Joe and Becky Sisk
Friday, December 30, 2022
I had the pleasure of getting to know and work with Justin on a couple of jobs. He was an amazing young man and will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. May God give you strength and comfort.
Dee McGreehin
Friday, December 30, 2022
I am so very sorry to hear of your family's loss. I didn't know Justin, but I have known his family for a long time..there are no finer people that I know of. My condolences to all of you.
Nikky Foster
Friday, December 30, 2022
We are so saddened by the loss of Justin. He was such an amazing soul. I have so many wonderful memories of him and we had so many laughs. Our hearts are with you.
Kelli
Friday, December 30, 2022
This just breaks my heart. Justin was always a ray of sunshine any time I saw him. I had the privilege of getting to know him when he wanted to attend the college I worked at. He always came in with a smile, no matter how hard of a struggle the class work was. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for the family for peace and comfort.
Lonnie and Tina Meeker
Friday, December 30, 2022
So sorry for your loss our prayers are with you all!!!
Sara Foster
Friday, December 30, 2022
I'm so very sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kari Winningham
Friday, December 30, 2022
Karen, Wane and family
My must heartfelt condolences. Justin will be greatly missed. Your Grace and Kindness were reflected through your son's beautiful life.
Prayers for Strength, Peace and Healing of your hearts.
Ronda Ivy
Friday, December 30, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and hoping all the special memories will be comfort to your family
Brenda Lewis
Friday, December 30, 2022
I am so very sorry for your loss, but it’s wonderful knowing he is with our Savior in a much better place. However that doesn’t cause us not to grieve and miss them here on earth. My prayer is for God to give all of you strength during this time and the days ahead.
Kay Johnson
Friday, December 30, 2022
Justin was such a special person, he will be sorely missed by all. He has touched so many lives! Praying for you all that God will give you strength through this trial in your life.
Michael A McDaniel
Friday, December 30, 2022
Wayne, Karen and Brandon
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Justin had a heart of gold. He was such a hard worker and always wanted to help everyone else and make everyone happy. He was always eager to please. I have some very fond memories of him when we went to South Dakota. He will be missed but he will always be with us in our hearts. We have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Michael A. McDaniel
Doris Hamilton
Friday, December 30, 2022
Dear Karen & Wayne
Wishing you and your family strength and peace on the loss of Justin and prayers to you all.
Doris Hamilton
Amanda Btewer
Friday, December 30, 2022
This is such a tragedy. Justin was such a great person. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Harlan family.
Wade Brorman
Friday, December 30, 2022
Wayne, Karen and Brandon,
I am so sorry for your loss. My family is praying for you and your family during this time. May God bless you with peace and comfort.
Patty Steele
Friday, December 30, 2022
Karen & Wayne,
I am so sorry for your loss. Justin was a precious young man and he will be missed greatly. I am sorry that I can’t be at his services (I am still in quarantine). My heart and thoughts are with you during this time.
Love you both,
Patty & Dwayne Steele
Arrin & Lauren Hogan
Sherry Norrell
Friday, December 30, 2022
Justin was too good for this world. I feel his presence and can just hear him say, “Cousin, don’t worry about me. Im good.†But we are not good. We are heartbroken. He always called me Aunt Sherry until he figured out I was a cousin. I loved when he did that and I loved him.
Pat & Bob Rymsha
Friday, December 30, 2022
Wayne and Karen our hearts go out to you and your family on the passing of Justin! From hearing grandma Pat talking about him we feel we knew him well! May God Bless You All! 🥰😢ðŸ™
Benjamin Lockett
Friday, December 30, 2022
A man of joy and love, he will be missed greatly.
Sondra Gammill Cownie
Friday, December 30, 2022
My heart hurts for the sudden loss of such a vibrant, outgoing, shining light in Justin. He made such an impact, and will never be forgotten. I remember his ever smiling face and big as life personality. My prayers for his family and friends. May God give you peace and comfort.
Nova Moore Braley
Friday, December 30, 2022
I was able to access his obituary. What man! He was so very loved, and brought happiness to so many. My heart goes out to you.
Tom & Suellen Tutt
Friday, December 30, 2022
You will be greatly missed, my friend Justin.
Steve
Friday, December 30, 2022
I am very sorry to hear of your loss my prayers are with your family.
Kimm & Todd Avey
Friday, December 30, 2022
We are praying for you and love you
Ron Simpson
Friday, December 30, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss and heavens gain. Justin was always a kind delight to be near. I know Justin is rejoicing now, praising and smiling.
Praying for your dear family.
Martha stocklin
Friday, December 30, 2022
I am
Loss for words ,this don’t seem possible! Justin was very happy and brought so much joy to everyone he came in contact with! When Justin was around there you would find children laughing at things Justin would say! My son Jordan thought Justin hung the moon! He would cry when it was time for church to be over cause he knew Justin would leave to go home! You would say Jordan why are you crying he would say cause Justin is my best friend and I didn’t want him to leave!! You never seen Justin without a smile! He cared for everyone around him! Justin never knew of a enemy! You will be so missed!! Our hearts are broke!! RIP man! I will see you again !!
Kim Shelton
Friday, December 30, 2022
Not a better young man than Justin. I am heartbroken for you all. Much love and prayers for healing of your hearts. No doubt that Justin is walking the streets of gold.
Genny (McClanahan) Reece
Friday, December 30, 2022
My heart goes out to Justin's family. Your in my thoughts and prayers..I love you dearly..Justin was remarkable, and his smile was contagious. He was always such at joy at VBS and the kids loved him. I pray for Jesus to comfort you during this difficult time
Frank and Faye Rushing
Friday, December 30, 2022
My best memories working at Noacon were of working with Justin. No job too dirty, too hard, he tackled everything with the same enthusiasm. His cheerful manner was contagious. He is missed.
Fred Arnold
Friday, December 30, 2022
It was a pleasure working with Justin at KFFB 106.1 FM Radio in years past. He will always be remembered. May God's blessings be with his family.
Our love and thoughts,
Fred Arnold
Bonnie Sutterfield
Friday, December 30, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss, I pray that the Lord will give you comfort in the days to come.
Jamie Harness
Friday, December 30, 2022
My heart goes out to all of you during this time. Praying for the peace and comfort that only God can provide. Much love to you all.
Brenda Harlan
Friday, December 30, 2022
Karen and Wayne - my heart absolutely breaks for you. We loved Justin so much. My God grant you peace Love you guys Brenda Harlan
Sandy Anders
Friday, December 30, 2022
My heart just broke when I got the news Justin was gone from this Earth. It just seems so unreal that someone so beautiful, so kind, so thoughtful could be gone. While I have not seen Justin in years, I’ve thought of him often. That big smile will be so missed and I pray every time someone recalls this gentle loving soul, that smile is the first thing they picture.
Justin left far more of an impact than I think he ever knew💔
Mark & Sue Burris
Friday, December 30, 2022
Justin was one of the kindest people I have known. He was so good to play and entertain all the children at our family reunions. Alex and Adrianne, both loved coming because Justin would be there. Our heart are broken for all the family and friends whose lives he touched each and every day. You are all in our prayers and will continue to be. Love you all so much!
Freda Cruse Hardison
Friday, December 30, 2022
I'm so sorry this tragedy has happened to you Karen and Wayne. Losing a child is the hardest thing you will ever go through. I have to believe that we are appointed a time to die and only the Lord knows. My heart is with you.
Tallye Sisk Turney
Friday, December 30, 2022
What this obituary says about Justin and his love for children is nothing short of the truth. I am 21 now but will always remember every summer that I went to vacation school at Bethany with Patsy Jones. I loved to watch Justins puppet show. Justin was always right in the middle of any game us kids played and he made them just that much more fun and would do absolutely anything to make us laugh. Now for the past couple years, I have been around Justin at some family events and he still acts the same he did when I was a young kid. Each time I was around Justin he made me smile the whole time and blessed us all with a good laugh. I, as well as many other will greatly miss Justin but I can only imagine the great reunion we will all have some day.
Gabriel H Morrison
Friday, December 30, 2022
Justin was such a kindhearted man. I will always remember Justin from our youth group at Calvary. The fun youth trips, the many times at his house playing video games in the basement, a cold Birthday of his we thought it would be fun to play paintball outside in the snow. His laughter was infectious, and he was always so caring. He will be dearly missed.
Melanie Gilbert
Friday, December 30, 2022
Justin has always been such a sweet, kind soul. He touched the lives of everyone who ever met him. My thoughts & prayers are with his family.
Phillip Webb
Friday, December 30, 2022
Wayne, Karen, and Brandon
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Justin. He was a very sweet person. There is no doubt he is having a big time up there in heaven. Just know our thoughts and prayers are with at this time. We love you guys.
Phillip, Melinda, and Christopher Webb
Chuck, Michele, Mathew and Hunter George
Friday, December 30, 2022
Prayers and our love reaches out to all of you. I love each and everyone. Chuck