Harlan Crist

Harlan Jonathan Crist, son of Josiah Calvin and Flora Belle (Wray) Crist, was born January 17, 1924, in Franklin County Kansas, near Centropolis. He peacefully departed this life on March 9, 2020 at 3:11 p.m. at the home of his son, near Overbrook, KS at the age of 96 years, 1 month and 21 days. Dad spent his entire life in Kansas living in Franklin & Douglas counties, except in 1927 when his family moved to Springer, New Mexico for his father's health. After living there for 2 months his father passed away when Dad was just three years old leaving him without an earthly father. Upon his death the family moved back to the Centropolis area. Early in life Dad answered his Savior's call, and was baptized, becoming a member of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church in the Eight Mile district, to which he remained faithful. Dad called for and received the anointing service according to God's Word on May 14, 2017 and it gave him much comfort. Harlan was united in Holy Matrimony with Velma Ellen Jamison on June 6, 1951 in Franklin County, Kansas. The union was broken when Mom passed away on November 5, 2010. They were blessed with more than 59 years together. Dad and Mom lived near Centropolis, Kansas until they moved to their dairy farm near Overbrook in Douglas County, Kansas in 1956. After Harlan graduated from Appanoose High School in 1942, he started farming with his brother. Dad stayed active on the farm until he was 83 years old, working with his sons and grandsons. After he fell in June 2018 and his first overnight hospital stay he no longer could live on his own, so his children took turns caring for him in their homes. He enjoyed being with his family and watching his great-grandchildren. He is survived by his six children: Wendel and his wife, Beverly, Gerlyn and his wife, Amy, Laverle, Jerel and his wife, Lizz, Nadine Kessler and husband, Ronnie, Loreta Barton and husband, Phillip; daughters-in-law, Jane Crist, Jolene Crist; twenty-five grandchildren, forty-seven great-grandchildren; eighteen grandchildren by marriage; a brother-in-law Melvin Jamison; five nephews, two nieces, and three step-nephews. He is also preceded in death by his parents; great-granddaughter, Tyra Brooks; one brother, Everett and wife Delta Marie; two sisters;, Myrtle and husband, Amos Wightsman, Imogene and husband, Alva Riffey; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Jamison; and one nephew Elvin Crist. After he retired from milking he spent more time in the house with Mom, helping her with the cooking and cleaning, which was useful after her passing. He then spent his time reading, and watching his sons work on equipment and riding in the grain truck. His gentle and quiet spirit will be missed by all, but we realize our loss is his eternal gain. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 13, 2020 at The Eight Mile Old German Baptist Brethren Church, Centropolis, Kansas. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends for a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 12, 2020 at the Eight Mile Old German Baptist Brethren Church. Condolences to the family may be sent through www.lamb-roberts.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Harlan Crist please visit our Sympathy Store.

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