Harlan L. Duley

DULEY, Harlan Louis - age 93, of Swartz Creek, died Saturday, June 7, 2008 in Florida. A memorial service will be held 11 AM Saturday, June 28, 2008 at the United Methodist Church of Swartz Creek, 7400 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek with Rev. Grant Wessel officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until the time of service at the church. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the United Methodist Church of Swartz Creek. Mr. Duley was born October 3, 1914 in Swartz Creek, the son of William and Grace (Bockman) Duley. He was a graduate of Swartz Creek High School where he was a star athlete in all three sports. Harlan pitched a no hitter at Atwood Stadium in 1936 against Grand Trunk Durand for Swartz Creek and still has the game ball. The next year, 1937, he tried out with the Detroit Tigers as a left handed pitcher. He married Kathryn Russell on October 31, 1941 and she preceded him in death on June 20, 2000. A veteran of the US Navy serving during World War II he earned invasion ribbons from the European Theater and later served on the Pacific Front. He retired from AC Sparkplug as Manufacturing Superintendent in 1977 after 43 years of service. Mr. Duley was a Past Master of Swartz Creek Lodge # 458 F & AM, past president of the Electroplating Society, and a 75 year member of the United Methodist Church of Swartz Creek where he served and chaired every committee in the church. Harlan worked on the History Committee which completed one of the most comprehensive church history displays in the State. He also served on the pasties team that made 1000 pasties a month to raise money for missions. He was active in the community as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader, the Old News Boys and the American Red Cross - Blood Mobile volunteer where 280 people gave blood to honor his retirement from AC. Mr. Duley was instrumental in the placement of the World War II Veterans Memorial in Swartz Creek. Harlan was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in December 2007, one of the most prestigious awards from Rotary International. Surviving are: son, Robert Duley and wife, Clydie of Tarpon Springs, FL.; Susan Duley, David Duley of Eastpoint, GA; Jon Duley of Grand Rapids; Linda, Fred and Kate Christian of Salem, MA; Kaye and Roger Houle of Burton; Ralph Russell of East Lansing; Barb and Jeff Koch of Grand Blanc. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Doris Spaniola. Arrangements handled by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. Friends may share an online tribute on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.