Kenneth L. Harlan
October 13, 1959 – April 1, 2023
Ken was born in Greencastle, Indiana, on Oct. 13, 1959, and passed away on April 1, 2023, at the age of 63. “Coach” Harlan graduated from Air Force Academy High School in Colorado Springs, CO, in 1978 where his stepfather, Richard Hall, was stationed as a pilot. Ken, after starring as an outstanding athlete and football player there, was recruited to play college football at the University of Missouri, receiving a full scholarship and joining the fraternity brothers of Beta Theta Pi. Ken provided many outstanding performances as a linebacker at Mizzou and played a significant leadership role on numerous bowl-bound Tiger teams. His playing career ended with a serious knee injury his senior year, but he maintained numerous close connections with his Mizzou gridiron brothers in the years and decades to follow.
His post-college life began with a move to Florida to be close to mother Dorothy and begin a career as a high school physical education teacher and coach with the Hillsborough County Schools. His rewarding 35-year career touched thousands of young lives, coaching football, track and soccer athletes to achieve their very best. Ken retired after becoming ill and was eventually diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in 2019. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Ruskin, FL.
Ken is survived by his wife, Darlene Harlan; parents Warren and Florence Harlan of Greencastle, IN; Norma Hall of Brazil, IN; brother, Richard Hall, and his family; sister, Melissa Hall; and children, Samantha Harlan, Curtis Harlan, Ronald Snow, Allyson Snow; grandson Bodhi Snow; and Uncle Jim Reeves from Iowa.
A Celebration of Life in his honor will be held on April 22, 2023, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Shell Point Community Clubhouse, 1155 7th Ave. NW, Ruskin, FL 33570.
Ken “Coach” was a strong and fiercely devoted father and husband with many lifelong brothers who kept him going with their shared connections. He is forever in our hearts.
His post-college life began with a move to Florida to be close to mother Dorothy and begin a career as a high school physical education teacher and coach with the Hillsborough County Schools. His rewarding 35-year career touched thousands of young lives, coaching football, track and soccer athletes to achieve their very best. Ken retired after becoming ill and was eventually diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in 2019. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Ruskin, FL.
Ken is survived by his wife, Darlene Harlan; parents Warren and Florence Harlan of Greencastle, IN; Norma Hall of Brazil, IN; brother, Richard Hall, and his family; sister, Melissa Hall; and children, Samantha Harlan, Curtis Harlan, Ronald Snow, Allyson Snow; grandson Bodhi Snow; and Uncle Jim Reeves from Iowa.
A Celebration of Life in his honor will be held on April 22, 2023, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Shell Point Community Clubhouse, 1155 7th Ave. NW, Ruskin, FL 33570.
Ken “Coach” was a strong and fiercely devoted father and husband with many lifelong brothers who kept him going with their shared connections. He is forever in our hearts.