Thomas Vernon Harlan, 84, of Sherman passed away on June 11, 2022, in McKinney, Texas.
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 27 at First United Methodist Church Sherman with the Reverend Joe Ed Goolsby officiating.
Vernon was born in Goree, Texas to E.V. and Lily Faye Harlan on September 10, 1937. He lived there until he was 10 years old when his family moved to Sherman. He went to school in Southmayd and graduated in 1955 at age 17. He attended Cook County Jr. College where he studied drafting and blueprint reading. He began working at IBM in Sherman in January 1958 and moved to IBM in Austin in January 1976. In June of 1992, after 34 years, he retired from IBM and married Peggy Wallace. Together, they moved back to Sherman in August 1993. In September 1993, he went to work for his brother
In September 1993, he went to work for his brother at M&M grouting and traveled the United States with Peggy for three years. Still not ready to retire, he built and remodeled homes in the Pottsboro area until his dementia kept him from working.
He was active in his church community serving at Lakeway United Methodist Church, Pottsboro and First United Methodist Church, Sherman. He enjoyed serving in many community groups
He enjoyed serving in many community groups including The Pottsboro Area Chamber of Commerce where he was named volunteer of the year 2008, Boot Scootin’ Ball, Harley Owners Group, and the Lakeway Christian Community Resale Barn.
Vernon loved riding his Harley and attended many Harley Davidson rallies and events including Sturgis, S.D.; Daytona Beach, Fla.; and the Republic of Texas rally in Austin. Vernon is preceded in death by his parents E.V. and
Vernon is preceded in death by his parents E.V. and Lily Faye Harlan; his brothers, Jerry and Melvin Harlan; his son, Michael Scott Harlan.
Vernon is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Peggy; his son, Matt Harlan and wife Ryan of Wimberley; grandson Riley and granddaughter Quinn; son, Tymon Gardner of Austin; daughter Trisha Winn and husband Clint of McKinney; grandsons Derek and Davis. Grandchildren Cody Harlan of Idaho; Thomas Caine Harlan of Pennsylvania; Chelsea Merkle and husband Zach of Pennsylvania and three greatgrandchildren. Niece, Mary Martha Russell, Michael and Christopher; Nephews, Don Harlan and wife Lee, Catie and Sarah; E.V. Harlan and wife Kerry, Kylie and Jackson; Scott Harlan.
Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association. A tribute page has been set up in Vernon’s name with the following link http://act.alz.org/goto/Vernon_Harlan
The family of Vernon wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Guardian Home Hospice, nurses Jill and Jennifer and Brookdale Memory Care of McKinney, Texas.
