Obituary for Kent Douglas Harlan
On Monday, January 31, 2022, Kent Douglas Harlan passed away unexpectedly, at his home in Springfield, at the age of 65.
Kent was born on September 28, 1956, in Kansas City, to Floyd Dale and Lavera “Johnnie” Harlan, the youngest of their three children. He spent the majority of his youth and adult life in Springfield.
After he graduated from high school he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southwest Missouri State University. A CPA, Kent enjoyed a highly successful career as a financial services professional. He was the controller with the Wiser Company for thirty-three years. As president of Ozarks Capital Financing, he facilitated non-bank financing for small and medium-sized businesses, and, as an independent consultant, he provided accounting and financial services for small businesses.
While at SMSU he met his life companion, Diana Severson. Kent’s love for Diana extended long after her death in 1994. After her passing, he adopted her 10 year-old son, Jeffrey Morton.
A natural nerd for numbers, Kent could make sense of dollars and cents—by all accounts he had all the qualities of an accountant—dependable, structured and practical. He was exacting, organized, and cautious.
But he was also an adrenaline junkie, athlete, and adventurer. He loved seeking out “thrill rides” with his son Jeff. He was also an avid cyclist, riding his bike nearly 4,000 miles each year. He was a hiker, and more recently a kayak paddler.
He enjoyed brewing beer with his friend Scott Olson, shooting pool and playing disc golf with Jeff, as well as many other activities that brought him closer to those he loved. And there were many whom Kent loved, and who loved him. His laughter and kindness brought joy to those around him.
Kent is survived by Jeff and his companion, Amber; by his brothers, Gary and his wife Marissa, Greg and his wife Katherine; by his aunt and uncle, Bonnie and Wally Hahn; cousins, nieces and nephews; his work family from the Wiser Company, including his protégé and dearest friend Tuesday Perry; and of course his beloved cats, Katrina and Sandy.
Kent was preceded in death by his parents and the love of his life, Diana Severson.
A celebration of Kent's life will be held when it is safe for everyone to gather.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com
Kent was born on September 28, 1956, in Kansas City, to Floyd Dale and Lavera “Johnnie” Harlan, the youngest of their three children. He spent the majority of his youth and adult life in Springfield.
After he graduated from high school he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southwest Missouri State University. A CPA, Kent enjoyed a highly successful career as a financial services professional. He was the controller with the Wiser Company for thirty-three years. As president of Ozarks Capital Financing, he facilitated non-bank financing for small and medium-sized businesses, and, as an independent consultant, he provided accounting and financial services for small businesses.
While at SMSU he met his life companion, Diana Severson. Kent’s love for Diana extended long after her death in 1994. After her passing, he adopted her 10 year-old son, Jeffrey Morton.
A natural nerd for numbers, Kent could make sense of dollars and cents—by all accounts he had all the qualities of an accountant—dependable, structured and practical. He was exacting, organized, and cautious.
But he was also an adrenaline junkie, athlete, and adventurer. He loved seeking out “thrill rides” with his son Jeff. He was also an avid cyclist, riding his bike nearly 4,000 miles each year. He was a hiker, and more recently a kayak paddler.
He enjoyed brewing beer with his friend Scott Olson, shooting pool and playing disc golf with Jeff, as well as many other activities that brought him closer to those he loved. And there were many whom Kent loved, and who loved him. His laughter and kindness brought joy to those around him.
Kent is survived by Jeff and his companion, Amber; by his brothers, Gary and his wife Marissa, Greg and his wife Katherine; by his aunt and uncle, Bonnie and Wally Hahn; cousins, nieces and nephews; his work family from the Wiser Company, including his protégé and dearest friend Tuesday Perry; and of course his beloved cats, Katrina and Sandy.
Kent was preceded in death by his parents and the love of his life, Diana Severson.
A celebration of Kent's life will be held when it is safe for everyone to gather.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com