LCDR Reep, standing 3rd from left
Harlan Reep Obituary
Ridgecrest resident Harlan Eugene Reep passed away Thursday, 2 Oct 2008, at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital. He was a member of the Ridgecrest Church of the Nazarene.
Harlan was born 21 Dec 1927 in Clarence, MO. He graduated from Enid High School in Enid, OK in 1945, where his passion for flying resulted in his developing pilot's skills with civilian aircraft. In September 1945, he was awarded a private pilot's license. After high school, Harlan joined the enlisted ranks of the US Navy, entered the V-5 Naval program and Tulane University, where he spent the next two years. His college education was completed at Westmar College in Iowa and he received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and science.
Following this period, he moved to Corvalis, OR and worked as a police officer. In 1950, he rejoined the Navy and was assigned to the flight training program at Pensacola, FL where he was awarded his wings.
Harlan was deployed to serve in the Korean Conflict, flying F-9F Panthers aboard the carriers USS Oriskany and USS Boxer. In addition to the Navy F-9F, he also flew the A-4 Skyhawk, F-104, F-86 Saber, T-38 Talon, F-4 Phantom, A-5 Vigilante and T-39 Saberliner. Following Korea he continued service in the Vietnam conflict receiving numerous service commendations for both wars, including the Korean Presidential Citation, Vietnam Campaign, and the National Defense Service Medal. During his Navy career, Harlan attended additional training at post graduate/Line School, Photo Reconnaissance School, Aircraft Maintenance and Drone Controller School. While on assignment at the office of Naval Officers Procurement in Omaha, NE, he met his wife, Mary of 52 years, a former Navy nurse. His last active duty assignment with the Navy was as a drone specialist at the China Lake Naval facility.
After retirement in 1972, Harlan went to work for Specialist Consultants, Inc., as a drone specialist , later joining the drone program at the Naval Air Facility. He received several commendations for his outstanding service in the drone target program. In 1994, Harlan began a retirement in Ridgecrest.
Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, Charles H. and Marie Stolzing Reep; his sisters Clarice M. McCarter and Dorothy N. Reep. He is survived by his wife, Mary Reep; stepson Wayne Redmond; and grandchildren Briana and Jeffrey Redmond.
Published in The Daily Independent, Ridgecrest, CA 9 Oct 2008.
Replies