Richard was preceded in death by his mother and father Amy (McElwee) Harlin and Nealie Kermit Harlin, as well as his oldest son James Charles (McGinnis) Harlin.
Richard is survived by the love of his life, Carol (Parker) Harlin. The two of them were partners for nearly 50 years. They were married in Richmond, MO on September 26, 1968. He is also survived by his two sons: Jeff Harlin and wife Amy of Smithville, MO and Todd Harlin and wife April of Kansas City, MO. Richard leaves behind six grandchildren that he simply adored: Nicholas, 15; Sleiman, 14; Alicia, 11; Eden, 8; Ava, 7; and Dorsey, 6. He is lovingly remembered by his sisters: Shirley and her husband Donald Harrison of Liberty, MO; Vicki Harlin of Virginia Beach, VA; and Amy and her husband Gary Covey of Richmond, MO.
Richard was born in Rayville, MO, May 8, 1947 and spent the earliest part of his years living with his family in Henrietta, MO. He graduated from Hardin Central High School (Hardin, MO) in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country in Vietnam from 1966-1968. After returning home from the war, he earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Business from Central Missouri State in Warrensburg. Following college, he began working as a sales representative/architect at Standard Homes Company in Olathe, KS, and moved his family to Richmond, MO. After the job at Standard Homes dissolved, Richard worked 21 years for the U.S. Postal Service in the downtown Kansas City post office as a quality improvement technician. Richard was one-of-a-kind in caring for the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of children either at home, church or local schools. Richard was deeply rooted in his convictions as he loved his Savior, his family, his friends and his country; as he was always willing to put others before himself.
Visitation will be held at White Chapel Funeral Home (6600 NE Antioch Rd.; Gladstone, MO 64119) on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at 10 am. The funeral service will follow at 11 am, with Richard’s best friend, Brian Guy, officiating. Military burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Richmond, MO at 1 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Awana Ministry (for children) at Tower View Baptist Church (7301 NE 50th St.; Kansas City, MO 64119) of which Richard was a longtime teacher/mentor.
Condolences may be offered online at the White Chapel Funeral Home website.
