10/05/2026
It is with much sadness, we share the passing of our beloved board member, Carole Measel-Olney 's father. Services will be held at Buxton Funeral home on Wednesday. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jess Mosley and the family.
Harlow LeGrand Measel, 90
Harlow LeGrand Measel passed away on October 1, 2026. He was born on August 15, 1936 in Albion, Michigan to Vernon LeGrand Measel and Pearlie Mae Rumsey. On December 29, 1963, he married the love of his life, Gloria Ann Riedel. Together, they spent 44 beautiful years. They traveled around Michigan while Harlow drilled oil wells, eventually settling down when he was hired by Buick (General Motors) in 1966. Harlow retired from Buick in 1992 after 26 years of dedicated service as a proud union member. He often remarked how incredibly blessed he felt to have been retired longer than he worked—enjoying 34 years of well-deserved freedom.
In 1993, after visiting a friend, Harlow fell in love with Okeechobee and decided to make it his home. He spent the next 33 years fully embracing the Florida lifestyle. An avid outdoorsman, Harlow could be found on the water most days fishing for specks. He cherished hunting and fishing trips with his family and friends. In his younger years, he was a skilled bowler, softball player, and pool shooter. He was also a passionate motorcycle rider, logging countless miles until he sold his beloved Harley-Davidson in 2019.
Harlow proved that you are never too old to find a new passion. In 2021, at 85, he and his buddy James Neeley watched YouTube videos to teach themselves how to alligator hunt. Harlow went on to bag his first gator at age 86. Harlow did not miss a season moving forward, celebrating his 90th birthday this past August out on another hunt. He was a proud member of the "Lizard Legends" and treasured every single minute spent with the crew.
When he wasn’t outdoors, Harlow loved watching Indiana Fever basketball games with his friend Jim Maine. He was also deeply committed to his community, serving as a dedicated member of COPS (Citizen Observation Patrol) for over 20 years, and fondly remembered his roots as a member of the FFA during his school days.
Harlow was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria Ann Measel; father, Vernon LeGrand Measel; mother, Pearlie Mae Rumsey; daughter, Darlene Marie Smith; and sisters, Delois Farnsworth, Colleen Lower, Portia Hephner, and Valerie Mix.
He is survived by his son, Harlow Measel (Amy) of Michigan; daughter, Carole Olney (Jim Maine) of Florida;
sisters, Bonnie Finkbiner of Michigan; and Charlotte Christy (Dennis) of Florida; grandchildren, Jess Mosley (Tyler) of Florida, Brandon Measel (Brooke) of Michigan, and Jake Measel (Jaycie) of Michigan; great-granddaughter, Hunter Measel of Michigan; and countless nieces, nephews, neighbors, his fellow Lizard Legends, and many dear friends.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Harlow’s name to ‘Shop With A Cop’. Make checks payable to ‘Okeechobee FOP’ and write ‘Shop With A Cop’ in the memo/notes line. Contributions are managed through the Okeechobee Fraternal Order of Police at 504 NW 4th Street, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com.
All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.
