Elder Boyace Van Harlan Jr., 70, departed this life on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Memorial Herman Greater Heights Hospital in Houston, Texas.  He was born June 26, 1954, to Boyace Van Harlan Sr., and Margaret Ashford Harlan in Houston, Texas.  He worked at Calcasieu Parish School Board.  He loved painting, playing the piano and studying the word of God.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Sylvia Leday Harlan of Lake Charles, La.; his children, Margaret Creswell, Matthew Van Harlan both of Houston, Texas and Adrienne Williams of Lake Charles, La.; his siblings, Lois (Ronald) Price, Jonez Harlan and Janet Harlan all of Houston, Texas; his in-laws, Betty (Warren) Chretien of Lake Charles, La., Larry (Lois) Leday of Bolingbrook, Ill., Charles Leday of Lafayette, La., Kathy (Henry) Thomas, Tammy Harlan and Elliot Howard all of Houston, Texas; five grandchildren, Tayla Richard, Aiden Williams both of Lake Charles, La.,  Jerry Elliot Howard Jr.,  Chole and Owen Harlan all of Houston, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Darryl Wayne Harlan and Oliver C. Harlan and one son, Michael W. Richard Jr.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at 9 a.m., and funeral service at 11 a.m., at Word of Hope Family Worship Center.  Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of King’s Funeral Home.