Harland L. "Harley" Quince

Harland L. “Harley” Quince, age 87, of Garrett died on Friday, October 4, 2019 at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville.

Harley was born May 3, 1932, in Pettisville, Ohio to Kennard and Beulah (Nisely) Quince. 

He was a graduate of Garrett High School and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951.  He served on the USS Dennis J. Buckley through the Korean War until 1959 and received a National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. 

He married Ruth Geraldine Cormican in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Aug. 14, 1954 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She survives in Kendallville.

Harley was a Top Chef at several Northeast Indiana restaurants and had the privilege of cooking for President Richard Nixon. He served as a Garrett Police Reserve in his earlier years. His early employment also included delivering milk to several homes in Garrett and co-owning a pizza place. After retirement from his career as a chef, he drove for the CSX Railroad earning a 10-year service award. 

Harley was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church Garrett, VFW Post 1892, and the Garrett American Legion Post #178 where he served in several officer positions and was invited to the Past Commanders dinner every year. He was recently recognized as one of the oldest surviving members of the Legion.

Harley spent many years putting the magic into Christmas serving as Santa Claus' Helper all around Northeast Indiana in homes and at events bringing joy to young and old. Harley loved celebrating life surrounded by family and friends and was a notorious joke-teller. He was known for his jovial ways and one of his best known trademarks was a welcoming fist in the air followed by a cheery, “HO!”   

Harley is survived by five daughters, Kathleen (Steve) Kelham of Avilla, Theresa (Kenny) Charles of Garrett, Alice (Van) Loutzenhiser of Auburn. Debra (Brody) Allred of Canton, Georgia, and Pam (Tim) Baker of Auburn; 13 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. 

Harley was preceded in death by his parents, Kennard Quince and Beulah Grimm.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2019 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 301 South Ijams Street in Garrett, with Father Jim Shafer officiating.

Burial will follow at Christian Union Cemetery in rural Garrett with military graveside services by the United States Navy and Garrett American Legion Post #178. 

Visitation will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at Feller & Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center Street in Auburn.  A Rosary will take place at 4:00 PM.

Memorials are to the Garrett American Legion Post #178, 515 West Fifth Street, Garrett, Indiana 46738 and Saint Joseph Catholic School, 301 West Houston Street, Garrett, Indiana 46738.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.fellerandclark.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home of Auburn.