O.D. "Lefty" Harlow

O.D. “Lefty” Harlow , 92 , of Gainesville , Texas passed away March 26, 2025 at his residence in Gainesville , Texas . He was born on February 28, 1933 in Gainesville , Texas to Ernest Clarence “E.C.” Harlow and Myrtle (Tower ) Harlow .

Lefty had a full and interesting life. He began his work career by breaking colts for Gilliam Bonner when he was a young teenager. He was a member of the Gainesville Community Circus.

On May 14, 1952 he married Linda Jane Hogan. They welcomed three children to the marriage, two daughters and a son. He spent the rest of his life in the oilfield working in Texas, Oklahoma, and in the Western United States. He fulfilled the oilfield legacy of “from the ground, to the crown and back down” and was well known for his encyclopedic knowledge of every aspect of the oilfield.

Lefty retired from the oilfield at age 80 and In his later years, he and Linda enjoyed life on their farm in Callisburg, Texas where he farmed and raised cattle.

He spent his last days at Wesley House Assisted Living in Gainesville, Texas and loved his fellow residents and staff.

He loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and could be found every morning at the Callisburg Store drinking coffee with his lifelong friends. He was a longtime member and Deacon of Calvary Baptist Church. He always had a two dollar bill and a picture book of cows, horses and wildlife for every child at the church and store.

His grandchildren and great grandchildren have wonderful memories of fishing in the stock ponds and eating hot dogs at “Mimi and Paw Paw’s farm”.

Lefty is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Linda, his daughters Cheri Greene and husband Herman of Ramona, California, Teresa Westover and husband Steve of Gainesville, Texas, and son Joel Harlow and wife Tracy of Mabank, Texas.

Also left to remember their “Paw Paw Lefty” are grandchildren Justin Wolfe (Sara), Jennifer Barnes (David), Michael Krebs (Megan), B J Harlow, Katy Montoya (Ricardo), Christopher Krebs (Mallori), Ryan Harlow, Joey Westover (Mary), Dusty Buchannan (John), and Trey Pierce.

Lefty is also survived by great grandchildren Wyatt Wolfe, Harlow Wolfe, Ollie Nielson, Mae Nielson, Brady Barnes, Brenden Barnes, Kate Krebs, Reagan Krebs, Cameryn Krebs, Natalee Krebs, Madden Westover, Ze’lie Montoya, Clara Montoya, Theo Montoya, James Harlow and Hannah Harlow.

Lefty leaves behind sisters-in- law Joan Ellyett and Lisa Hancock, and brother-in-law Robert Hogan (Gayle) and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Geo. J. Carroll & Son on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 4:00PM - 6:00PM. Funeral services will be at 10:00AM on Monday, March 31, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery of Gainesville.

Lefty’s grandsons and great grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

You may register your condolences online at www.geojcarroll.com