Harlan Brown

Harlan Brown, 85, lifelong resident of Springdale, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born September 20, 1940, in Fort Smith, to H.E. Brown and Hilda Mae Moore Brown. In his teens and twenties, he was an avid race car builder and loved anything fast. It’s been told that he would call in fake calls to the police department to get the one policeman on duty to go to one side of town while he held drag races on the other side of town. Those stories became part of the legend of Harlan that friends and family loved to retell. He married the love of his life, Evelyn Harp, on July 15, 1977, after eight years of dating. He was honored to help raise Larry and Dennis, and he was especially proud when Benita was given to him to raise as his daughter. Harlan loved teasing his grandchildren and everyone he cared about with his quick wit, clever jokes, and ready answers. He never met a stranger and could make anyone feel welcome within minutes of meeting him. Harlan was well known throughout Northwest Arkansas for his strong work ethic, generous heart, and larger-than-life personality. He owned and operated a thriving business for more than 40 years and loved his work so much that he continued working until he was 77 years old. He never met a piece of machinery he couldn’t operate and took great pride in keeping his equipment spotless and in perfect condition. He brought the very first topsoil screening machine to Northwest Arkansas and was proud to be “The Best Dirt Farmer” in town. He was always willing to help others, often donating topsoil to local organizations and grading driveways for elderly residents during snowy weather. One elderly customer once told him he would surely have “a star in his crown one day.” Friends and family could often find him stirring his topsoil, flipping gravel so it “wouldn’t get sunburned,” or grading his driveway until the gravel turned to dust. Harlan was also known as the pitmaster behind huge annual barbecues he hosted alongside Steve Dime. Together, they fed countless friends, neighbors, and visitors over the years. Harlan and Evelyn opened their home to anyone who needed a place to gather during holidays and celebrations, making sure nobody left hungry. His shop became the unofficial gathering place for friends and neighbors. With an open-door policy, the world’s problems were solved there over cold beer, laughter, and storytelling. Harlan loved having an audience and could tell a story better than anyone — though listeners often had to decide for themselves just how much embellishment was involved. He was a proud 62-year member of the Fayetteville-Springdale Elks Lodge and held one of the lodge’s lowest remaining membership numbers. He was also a proud member of the Springdale High School Class of 1958 and greatly enjoyed the monthly dinners shared with his classmates. More than anything, Harlan loved his family, his friends, and the life he built in the community he called home. His humor, generosity, hard work, and unforgettable stories will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, one nephew, Zachary Durham, two daughters in law, Kyra Gregory and JoLynn Gregory. Survivors include his wife Evelyn Brown; two sons, Larry Gregory and Dennis Gregory; one daughter, Benita Switzer and husband Chad; four grandchildren, Jessica Cross and husband Sam, Elizabeth Hamilton and husband Cody, Lacee Adams and husband Wesley and Kelcee Gregory; seven great-grandchildren, Hudson Switzer, Jaxson Gregory, Kalene Hamilton, Ava Gregory, Cohen Cross, Corbin Cross and Nathaniel Adams and his sister, Susie Durham. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10am at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale with Loy Beach officiating. Burial will follow in Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5-7pm at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com

Harlan Brown

September 20, 1940 - May 10, 2026