Indianapolis, Indiana
Harlan Tracy Kerlin, 94, resident of Westside Garden Plaza, Indianapolis, for the past ten years, and formerly of Hartford City, died November 26, 2010 after an extended illness.
Mr. Kerlin was born on March 18, 1916 in Fickle Station, IN, son of Mary Edna (Tracy) Kerlin and Methodist minister, Rev. Clarence J. Kerlin. His parents and infant sister, Eva Margaret, preceded him in death.
Tracy graduated from Frankfort High School in 1934, and in 1938 received his B.S. degree from Indiana Central College, with endorsements to teach music, physics and mathematics. His Masters Degrees in Music Education and Public School Administration were from Ball State. He taught music and was band director in Lapaz, IN until he joined the army in 1943. He was stationed in Ft. Stevens, Oregon as a medical corpsman, then when WWII ended he was sent to San Francisco where he served as a Medic during the establishment of the United Nations. He taught music (band) and mathematics in the Hartford City School System until he retired in 1978. He moved to Westside Garden Plaza, Indianapolis, October, 2000.
Tracy faithfully served his Lord at Grace United Methodist Church in Hartford City for over fifty years. Besides singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday school, he worked tirelessly in the development of mission programs within the church as well as gave support and encouragement to those who went into the ministry from Grace UMC church.
He was a faithful member of the Hartford City Rotary Club for over fifty years. Under his guidance the Hartford City Rotary Club achieved the rare distinction of 100% of its members becoming a “Paul Harris Fellow” of Rotary International.
Mr. Kerlin is survived by his brother, Dr. Joseph Kerlin (Rosie), Danville, and cousin, William Henry (Pauline), Franklin, four nieces, Becky Haak, Danville, Beth Toben (Brad), Waco, TX, Lynn Paul Sternberg (Scott), Pasadena, CA, and Mary Ann Wehlage Alexander (Nick), Broad Ripple, five great-nieces and four great-nephews.
Visitation will be on Sunday, November 28, 2010 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Waters Funeral Home, Hartford City. The Memorial Service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, Hartford City at 10:30 am. Monday, November 29. Interment will be at Greenwood Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, November 30 at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to Taylor University, Upland, IN, or Grace United Methodist Church, Hartford City, IN.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.watersfuneralhomes.com
