Harlen Painter

Harlen Painter, 79, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Friday, April 16, 2010, at his home. He was born in Chuckey, Tennessee on April 26, 1930. He attended high school at Washington College and after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force for four years. Mr. Painter attended East Tennessee State University where he earned a BS in 1955. Mr. Painter received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Tennessee in 1957. In 1960 he moved to Cleveland to become a partner in the law firm of Corn, Bell and Whitson, which later became Bell & Associates. In 1960, Mr. Painter was appointed Cleveland City Attorney which he served until retiring in December 2007. During his 45 years of service to the City of Cleveland, Mr. Painter held many leadership positions. He was an active member of the Lions Club for many years. Mr. Painter was a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church for 48 years and a Kelly class Sunday school teacher for over 20 years. Mr. Painter set an example of commitment and honor not only to the community but also to his family. Harlen Painter?s hard work, dedication to serve and a desire to stand for what is just and true are a monument to the legacy he has built. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Nellie Saults Painter, one brother, Floyd Painter, and two sisters: Jean Brown and Rosella Painter. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lynette Painter of Cleveland; three children: Barrett Painter and wife Elyn of Cleveland, Vicki Painter of Cleveland, and Beth Robinson and husband Randy of Ooltewah; three grandchildren: Sam Painter, Lauren Robinson and Andrew Robinson; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, April 19, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. at Broad Street United Methodist Church with Pastor Debbie Stokes and Pastor Reed Shell officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens concluding with a white dove release ceremony. John Kimball, Mike Jenne, Jimmy Logan, Robert Thompson, Jerry Hoffer and Denny Mobbs will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include members of the Bradley County Bar Association, Kelly Sunday School Class, Evening Cleveland Lions Club, Ben Moore and Eddie Cartwright. His family will receive friends from 5 ? 8 p.m. Sunday at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. His family has requested that memorials may be made to Broad Street United Methodist Church, PO Box 3, Cleveland TN 37364, or to the charity of one?s choice. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Painter family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.