Harlan Beal died October 3, 2022. He was born in Haven, on December 28, 1939, to Herbert Beal Sr. and Nola (Bumgartner) Beal. Harlan’s family soon moved to Hutchinson where he lived and was active in the community for the remainder of his 82 years.
He was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School Class of 1958. In 1960. Harlan married classmate, Judy Morrow, in the chapel of the First Christian Church, Hutchinson. Together they shared 62 years of marriage while raising their two children, Lori and Brad.
For over thirty years, Harlan managed grocery stores in Hutchinson and South Hutchinson: Hart’s IGA Foodliner, Risley’s IGA, Harper’s IGA, and Dave’s IGA. He later managed Underground Vaults and Storage. Harlan served as a military policeman and radio operator in the Kansas Army National Guard. He was a Kansas State High School referee and a professional umpire for the USSSA Sports Association. Harlan was also able to enjoy almost 20 years of retirement from USD 308, after working as head custodian at Faris and Wiley schools.
He was a charter member of the South Hutchinson Commercial Club, the South Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the South Hutchinson United Methodist Church.
Harlan coached, played and replayed baseball games from his first little league team in grade school through much of his adult life. He was the proud owner of shelves of baseball, horseshoe, golf, and bowling trophies. When Harlan wasn’t playing a sport or officiating a game, he could often be found in the bleachers at local sporting events.
Harlan was preceded in death by: his parents; brother, Herb ‘Sonny’ Beal; sisters, Betty Burnett and Beverly LaClair; and numerous half and step brothers and sisters.
He is survived by: his wife Judy; son, Brad Beal; daughter, Lori Meis; and grandchildren, Sheldon, Haley and Hannah Beal.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, October, 8, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary with the Reverend Mike Rose officiating. Burial will follow in the McPherson City Cemetery, 1601 Cemetery Road, McPherson. Military honors will be conducted by the Kansas Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, October 7, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary.