Lawrence “Mike” Harlan, 81, died peacefully on August 20, 2026.

Mike was born on April 16, 1945, in Viroqua, Wisconsin, to Glen and Delia Harlan. He graduated from Southeast High School in 1965 and proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy. During his military service, he spent 22 months in the South China Sea, serving aboard a destroyer off the coast of Vietnam and later on a dry dock in Guam. After completing his tour of duty, Mike returned to Kansas City.

He had several jobs in his younger years, working for Vendo as a draftsman and for Frisco Railroad as a switchman. He worked at Armco Steel in the wire mill for 18 years. Following his time at Armco Steel, he started his own business, Best Carpet Cleaning. He ran a successful business for 35 years and was highly respected by his clients.

He was the proud father of two sons, Jeffrey and Patrick Harlan. Patrick worked with his dad for 30 years.

In 1985, he married Deanna Harlan and became the proud father of three children, Lance, Aaron and Sara. Deanna and Mike were married for 41 wonderful years and cherished their time together.

His children loved his sense of humor, his strong work ethic, the way he loved them all, and his faith in Jesus Christ. They always knew he was so proud of them and encouraged them to be the best they could be. Some of their most cherished memories include spending time at the lake, sharing holidays together, and enjoying fun outings with the grandchildren.

Mike was such a genuine person. He loved people of all ages. Mike loved his Lord Jesus, his family and his country. He was proud to have served his country.

He belonged to Sterling Acres Baptist Church for over 40 years. He loved his friends in his church. One of his favorite things to talk about was his faith in Jesus and how much of a difference it had made in his life.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Delia Harlan of Kansas City; his father, Glen Harlan of Kansas City; his brother, Duane Peterson of Dubuque, Iowa; and his sister, Gloria Shearer of Dubuque, Iowa.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deanna Harlan; his children, Jeffrey Harlan (Kelly), Patrick Harlan (Janelle), Lance Shillcutt (Sasha), Aaron Shillcutt (Courtney), and Sara Boswell (Josh); 16 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

His grandchildren are Natalie Moke (Curtis), Monica Hand (Dalie), Dylan Shillcutt, Lilly Chronister (Jon), Jake Harlan, Justin Harlan, Grace Shillcutt, Sam Shillcutt, Asher Shillcutt, Isabella Boswell, Sophia Shillcutt, Landon Shillcutt, Parker Boswell, Levi Shillcutt, Bennett Shillcutt, and Lydia Harlan. His great-grandchildren are Eli, Lucas, and Dawson Moke; Colleen and Max Hand; and Hallie, Everly, and Hayes Chronister.

Mike is also survived by his three sisters: Lois Peterson of Florala, Alabama; Glenda Mathes (Ulysses) of Florala, Alabama; and Nancy Brunnette (Andy) of Rutherfordton, North Carolina.

Mike will be remembered for his faith, his devotion to family, his sense of humor, and the example of hard work and kindness he left for those who knew and loved him.

Services 

A visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., on August 29, 2026, at River's Edge Fellowship, 11200 E. 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64133.

Burial will take place at a later date.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mike's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, Missouri.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Missouri Veterans Home for the loving and exceptional care Mike received during the two years he lived there.