Harlan Lee Swartzendruber

Harlan Lee Swartzendruber We have lost the patriarch of our family. Daughter Jill used to tease him that he was a benevolent dictator of a very small country (Mother, Vicki, and Jill). And benevolent he was with all of us. He guided us with his wisdom, patience and discipline, teaching us a good work ethic and how to be good citizens. When the grandsons were growing up, Swartzie, as they called him, took them to the farms and ranch during the summer to paint fences, mow and move rock. Swartzie was born in Harper, KS on November 23, 1922, to Maude and Ray Swartzendruber. He grew up during the Great Depression which helped define his values. He learned the value of hard work doing chores on the farm and helping with the crops. He graduated from Harper High School where he played football and basketball. He met Melba Jean Boatright when they were sophomores, and they married June 4, 1943. Harland served in the U.S. military during World War II, from December 1943 to June 1944. He joined the 82nd Airborne and parachuted into Holland. After being wounded by shrapnel, he recovered in England and Topeka, KS. He was awarded the Purple Heart. He began his working career in Langdon Tent and Awning Company in Wichita in 1941. He started hanging awnings and worked his way up into a partnership. Over the next 30 years, the company adapted to changing markets, eventually doing most of their business in the oil field shelter and military aircraft cover business. In an article with the Wichita Beacon, Harlan said the most impressive space product the company made was the 24-carat gold-coated protective cover for the butt of the Mercury capsule to protect its instruments from cosmic rays. Langdon Manufacturing Company was sold in 1975. In 1968, Harlan and his partners built and operated Ramada Inns in Emporia, KS and Bozeman, MT for several years before selling that company. After that venture, Harlan returned to his farming roots by purchasing a ranch in Oklahoma running a cow/calf operation. He also owned wheat land in Sumner County. During his retirement years, Harlan owned farms in Sedgwick and Furley, KS and purchased and raced greyhounds. For many years, our parents spent the winters in Palm Desert, CA and summers in Jackson Hole, WY. Both enjoyed golf, fly fishing and traveling. Swartzie shared his love of fishing with his grandsons, taking many trips to Alaska to fish for salmon and Ennis, MT for trout fishing on the Madison River. A trip was planned to Ennis in September 2016. In recent years, Harlan proved to be a kind, patient and loving caregiver to our Mother until we lost her last November. Our father left our world Monday, April 11, when he was involved in a single vehicle accident on his way home from the horse races in Hot Springs, AR, another interest he loved. Thank you to all who helped us search Arkansas and Oklahoma while he was missing. We are overwhelmed with the kindness we encountered and the outpouring of concern and prayers. Our father lived the American Dream having a long, productive and prosperous life, guided by his integrity and honesty. He guided many with his sage advice and insight. He will be missed by all who knew him. Harlan is survived by his daughters, Vicki Carter and Jill White; grandchildren, Bret Carter, Ty White, Jenny Russel and Ryan White; great-grandchildren, Michael and Charlee Conroy and Annie Bailey; three great-great-granddaughters; sister, Marva Jane Newberry; brother, Max Swartzendruber. He is predeceased by his parents; wife, Melba Jean; great-grandson, Conner White; brother, Harold Swartzendruber. We will have a visitation Friday, April 22, 2016 at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary, 6555 E. Central, from 5:00 – 6:30 P.M. There will be a graveside service Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at The Osborn Township Cemetery in Mayfield, KS. A reception and celebration of life will be held at Crestview Country Club, 1000 N. 127th St. E., 733-1344, from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M., Saturday, April 23. A memorial has been established with the Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization c/o Wichita State University, 1845 N. Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0002.