Harlan Jeffers

Harlan Woodrow Jeffers, 84, passed away on September 6, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio.  He was born January 25, 1932 in Vinton Township, Vinton County, Ohio to the late Woodrow Wilson and Dena Olive (Cooper) Jeffers.  Besides his parents, he is proceeded in death by his wife of 57 years, M. Joanne Bighouse.

Surviving are his son, daughter-in-law and grandson, Matthew, Tracy (Hopper) and Zachery Jeffers, all of Columbus.  Also surviving is his only sister, Loretta Saylor of McArthur, Ohio as well as her children and spouses: Teresa and Eric Emmert of Hamden; Sharon and Douglas Eveland of Albany; Karen Saylor of Dayton; and Glenn and Angie Saylor of McArthur.

He graduated from Vinton Rural High School in 1951 with his future wife, Joanne; and attended college at Ohio University in Athens studying Photography.  While Harlan held a number of different jobs throughout the years, his passions were photography and woodworking.  One of his first jobs as a teenager was hauling lumber to the mill and later driving truck to Columbus loaded with pallets.  By trade he was professional photographer, while working at Terry & Engraving Co. in downtown Columbus, he was the first person to photograph for advertising purposes, then the ultra secret, and now internationally recognized Nationwide Insurance logo – Eagle and capital N.

He was an active member, in both the Columbus and Worthington congregations, of the Community of Christ, formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, holding the priesthood office of Elder.  He was also an active Mason, being a member of the The Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio, Columbus Lodge No. 30; the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons of Ohio, Trowel Council No. 71; and Past High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, McArthur Chapter No. 12.

A memorial service is planned for family and friends October 8th at 11:30 AM at the Community of Christ church on Conren Dr. in McArthur, Ohio with Evangelist Jim Cummings presiding.  Interment will be in Elk Cemetery at a future date.