Posted on 04/15/2018
Harlan Twible (March 10, 1922 - April 8, 2018)
Harlan Twible, 96, went home to the Lord on Sunday, April 8, 2018. His beloved wife, Alice, predeceased him. He is survived by his children Pamela, Susan, Barbara, and David. Harlan was born in Gilbertville, Mass. to Ruby and William Twible, one of four children. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1945 and soon thereafter married Alice Southworth of Ware, Mass., who was, from their first date, the love of his life. His first naval assignment was to the USS Indianapolis, a heavy cruiser that was assigned the secret mission of delivering the first atomic bomb to the island of Tinian. Four days after delivering the bomb, the Indianapolis was sunk by enemy action in the Phillipine Sea, sinking so fast that no distress call was sent from the ship. He, and his shipmates who survived the sinking spent 4 days and 5 nights in the water, with almost no fresh water or survival gear. During this time, and, despite injuries he suffered during the sinking, Harlan Twible constantly aided the 325 men in his group, maintaining order among them, ministering to their needs, and preventing half-crazed and injured men from leaving the safety of the group; actions for which the Navy later awarded him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. He credited his survival to God's presence and care. He also served in the Korean War, serving 11 years in the Navy.
After his time in the service, Harlan pursued a career as a business executive, specializing in turning around failing businesses, including Picker Corporation, and Siemens Medical of America. His employees recognized him as a fair and compassionate man in all his dealings with them.
Harlan Twible thanked God every day for the blessings in his life. His greatest earthly joy came from his beloved wife Alice, and his family, and he always placed their happiness and well-being above his own.
Harlan found great enjoyment in woodworking, and made a great deal of the furniture in his, and his children's homes.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 21 at 11 AM at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL. Interment is Monday, April 23, at 1PM at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Route 72, Sarasota, Fl.
Published in Herald Tribune from Apr. 13 to Apr. 15, 2018