Harlan was born on July 23, 1927, in Franklin, Ohio, to Burlin and Eunice (Sargent) Willis. He graduated high school and attended three years of Bible college. Harlan also served three years as a Merchant Marine.

Harlan became a resident of Alaska in 1947, residing in Anchorage, Nondalton, Egegik, Dillingham and Palmer.

Harlan worked for four years as a power lineman in Ohio, five years for the city of Anchorage, served 30 years as a missionary and was an electrical contractor for eight years. Harlan was self-employed as an electrical contractor until 1999.

Harlan was very active in his church and was affiliated with the Independent Baptist Church. Hobbies included flying and woodworking.

Harlan loved preaching the Gospel and had a great love of life. He loved being with family and friends.

Surviving are his wife, Avanelle, Eagle River; son, Harlan E. Willis Jr., Dillingham; daughters, Melba Willis Taylor, Olney, Ill., and Annette Willis Mastick, Hampton, Va.; son, Steve Willis, Wasilla; daughter, Mary Smith, Homer; son, Tyler Willis, Wasilla; son, Victor Willis, Eagle River; daughter, Valarie Willis Nabinger, Eagle River; brother, Wayne Willis, McMinville, Ore.; sister, Alice Marcum, Chatanooga, Tenn.; 28 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Walter Lee and Darrel G. Willis; and sisters, Jeanie O’Dell and Naoma Kallner.

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla is in charge of arrangements.