Gordon L. Harlin

On May 23, 1935, in a small community known as "the Bottoms" near Chouteau, Oklahoma, a bright light entered the world. Born to Thomas Nelson and Myrtle Lenora (Jackson) Harlin, Gordon Lee Harlin was the fourth of what would become eight siblings in a close-knit and loving family. He grew up alongside his older brothers Leonard, Thomas Jr., and Mose, and was later joined by siblings Johnny, Margaret "Shirley," Doris, and Kenneth Joseph-affectionately known as Kenny Joe.
The Harlin family eventually made their home in Wagoner, Oklahoma, where Gordon spent his early years. They later moved to Muskogee, where Gordon graduated from the historic Manual Training High School in May of 1955. It was there, in the halls of that beloved institution, that he met the love of his life-Patricia "Tiny" Sanders. The two were married on August 8, 1955, and shared 65 beautiful years of marriage before Tiny's passing in September 2020.
A devoted husband and a loving father, Gordon raised four children-Gordon Lee Harlin, Jr., Anita Carol Harlin Ballard, Gordon Keith Harlin, and Cheryl Harlin Jones. He also stepped into a fatherly role for his youngest brother, Kenny Joe, offering him the same steady love and support he gave his own children.
Gordon proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959 on active duty and continued his service as a reservist through 1966. After his time in the military, he and Tiny settled in Muskogee, where they raised their family and built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and community.
He was a man of deep integrity who led by example. Gordon taught his family the value of hard work, the power of education, and the importance of showing up for others. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a great-great-grandson-five generations who carry his values forward.
Gordon's impact stretched far beyond his home. He believed in people, especially the ones others overlooked. He gave countless young people a chance, offering them not just work, but dignity, purpose, and belonging. He treated everyone with respect and compassion, embracing others without prejudice.
An avid supporter of youth sports, Gordon managed and owned the Harlin Thrillers girls' softball team and proudly coached the Acme Engineering & Manufacturing Corporation and state title-winning Yaffe Scrappers baseball teams. Whether you knew him as Mr. Harlin, Coach, Uncle Gordon, Uncle G, or Paw-Paw, you knew him as someone who saw the best in people-and brought it out in them.
Gordon was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia "Tiny" Harlin; his son Gordon Jr.; his parents, Tom and Myrtle Harlin; and his siblings Leonard, Mose, Thomas Jr., Margaret, and Johnny.
He is survived by his children Carol, Keith, and Cheryl (Shaun), his brother Kenny Joe (Alma) and his sister Doris Davis, Sr. ; his grandchildren Tiffany (Arturo) Townes, Brandi King, Brittany (Eddie) McCrary, Allyson Simon, Chelsea (Harold III) Wallace, Julian Blake Harlin, Yori Jones, Jordan Jones, and Xavier Jones; nineteen great-grandchildren; and one very special great-great-grandson, Theo.
Gordon Lee Harlin was a man of strength, service, and soul. His presence was a blessing, his legacy is a gift, and his love will carry on through every life he touched. Some people said that he was "lucky". He was not. He was Blessed by God.
A Home Going Service is scheduled Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 12 noon, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 902 Rutherford St., Muskogee, OK; with Pastor David Ragsdale Jr., eulogizing. FINAL VIEW 11:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, OK. Military Honors performed by Ft. Sill Honors Team, Ft. Sill, OK.
Visitation will be Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The family has been cared for by House of Winn-Muskogee
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