Harlen Core went to be with the Lord peacefully on April 17, 2026, in Oklahoma City, with his family by his side at the age of 93.

Harlen was born in Okemah, Oklahoma, on November 11, 1932, to John Horace and Eva Stiles Core. The family moved to Texas and California before settling in Oklahoma, where Harlen was raised and lived the remainder of his life.

Harlen was married to Jeweldeen Mercer on November 11,1950. They shared a beautiful 52 years together and were blessed with three children: Gaylon, Sherrie and LaDonna.

He honorably served his country in the United States Navy, where he demonstrated unwavering commitment and integrity. His time in the military remained a source of pride throughout his life. During this time, Harlen answered a higher calling; he served as an Assembly of God youth pastor, Sunday school teacher, and childrens church leader dedicating himself to mentoring and guiding others in their faith. His kindness, wisdom, and steady presence left a lasting impact on the lives of many, especially his family.

Harlen began his journey in home building at age seventeen and later founded his home development business, Harlen Core Construction, which he owned and operated for more than 50 years. He was a member of the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association (COHBA), where he served a term as president and was a Life Director and association chaplain for many years. His final gathering and prayer with COHBA was in December 2025. He also served multiple terms as president of the Southwest Oklahoma Home Builders Association. He was a Senior Life Director of the National Association of Home Builders and a Spike Club recruiter of more than 600 members. His efforts and talents did not go unnoticed - he was inducted into the Oklahoma Housing Hall of Fame in January 2022 in recognition of his dedication, talent and accomplishments. Over the years, he built not just houses, but homes where families created lasting memories. His work stood as a testament to his diligence, integrity, and attention to detail.

Harlen shared 21 meaningful years with his second wife and sweetheart, LaDonna Bryant ("Nana").

Harlen lived a long and meaningful life marked by faith, hard work, and deep love for his family. He was a man of strong values and steady character, known for the care he showed to everyone he met- he never met a stranger. Throughout his life, he achieved many accomplishments and earned the respect of those around him. Of all his roles, the one he cherished most was that of grandfather and great-grandfather ("Pa Harlen"). He loved his family fully and unconditionally, always offering wisdom, warmth, and a steady presence that will be deeply missed.

Harlen adored his Shih Tzu, Muffin. They went everywhere together, including daily golf cart rides. Any time someone visited the Core residence, he would insist on making and sending them home a bag of his famous kettle corn. Going fast was his thing- he was known as "Speedy Core." He was a member of the Viper Club and enjoyed riding around town in his Dodge Viper or taking it to the track at Texas Motor Speedway. Many Friday nights included drag racing his '66 Plymouth Valiant at Thunder Valley Raceway Park, even into his 90s. Harlen was adventurous and traveled all over the world. He lived for quality time with family- Friday nights and Saturdays at Fort Cobb Lake, boat rides, fishing, hunting, simple conversation, and never missing the chance to share the gospel were all things he truly enjoyed.

Above all, Harlen loved praising the Lord and being at church. He never missed an opportunity to remind everyone, including his family, of the importance of being ready to leave this world at any moment and hearing, " Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Harlen was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eva Core; his wife, Jeweldeen Core; and his brother, Hoyt Core.

He is survived by his wife, LaDonna Core; his son, Gaylon Core; his daughter, Sherrie Kimmel and husband Chuck; his daughter, LaDonna White and husband David; his brother, Howard Core and wife Linda; grandchildren: Scott Core and wife Wendi, Tara Core, Jason Kimmel and wife Abby, Anthony Kimmel, Christina Taylor, Corey Chappell, and Katelyn Schmidt and husband Alex; great- grandchildren: Railey and Piper, Lilly and Gage, Emberlyn and Everlee, as well as Jason and Abby's children; and, upon marriage, daughters Tyler Thomas and Amber Claire and their families; along with many other extended family members, all of whom carry forward his legacy of faith and love.Harlen's life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Dad's favorite scripture was, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

- Philippians 4:13.We love you a bushel and a peck Dad, " Pa Harlen!"