- Born on: November 18, 1934
- Departed on: December 1, 2025
- Resided in: Newton, IA
Harlan J. Spain
Harlan J. Spain, 91, passed away peacefully at his home on December 1, 2025, following a long and courageous battle with end-stage chronic kidney disease.
He is survived by his daughters, Kim Spain of What Cheer and Cindy Spain (Steve Town) of Vancouver Island, Canada; his beloved granddaughters, Alyssa Earendel (Eric) of Bothell, Washington, and Brianna Town of Pullman, Washington. He was also lovingly supported by his sister-in-law, Sue Spain, and niece, Amy Spain. Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Harley Spain; his brother, Richard Spain (Sue); and his devoted wife of 65 years, Sandra Spain.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at the What Cheer United Methodist Church, with private interment.
Harlan was born on November 18, 1934, in Newton, Iowa. In 1954, he joined the United States Air Force, serving as a Technical Sergeant in the Strategic Air Command as a Nuclear Weapons Technician. He was honorably discharged in 1962 while stationed in California, where he and his young family made their home.
Harlan remained in Southern California until 1994, when he and Sandy relocated to Fresno, California. In 1999, they retired to What Cheer, Iowa. During his working years, Harlan was co-owner of an Industrial Engine Distributor.
Harlan had a lifelong love of reading, history, travel, and golf. He was a dedicated and active member of the What Cheer United Methodist Church. Known for his big personality, rich baritone voice, and warm spirit, Harlan was a loyal friend, a devoted family man, and a genuinely kind human being who will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his daughters, Kim Spain of What Cheer and Cindy Spain (Steve Town) of Vancouver Island, Canada; his beloved granddaughters, Alyssa Earendel (Eric) of Bothell, Washington, and Brianna Town of Pullman, Washington. He was also lovingly supported by his sister-in-law, Sue Spain, and niece, Amy Spain. Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Harley Spain; his brother, Richard Spain (Sue); and his devoted wife of 65 years, Sandra Spain.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at the What Cheer United Methodist Church, with private interment.
Harlan was born on November 18, 1934, in Newton, Iowa. In 1954, he joined the United States Air Force, serving as a Technical Sergeant in the Strategic Air Command as a Nuclear Weapons Technician. He was honorably discharged in 1962 while stationed in California, where he and his young family made their home.
Harlan remained in Southern California until 1994, when he and Sandy relocated to Fresno, California. In 1999, they retired to What Cheer, Iowa. During his working years, Harlan was co-owner of an Industrial Engine Distributor.
Harlan had a lifelong love of reading, history, travel, and golf. He was a dedicated and active member of the What Cheer United Methodist Church. Known for his big personality, rich baritone voice, and warm spirit, Harlan was a loyal friend, a devoted family man, and a genuinely kind human being who will be deeply missed.
