Allan Harl, Jr. has been a constant presence at Glenn Family Services for seven decades. September 1 marked his 70th year of service at the funeral home, a milestone that speaks to his deep roots in both the industry and the community.
Harl’s journey began in September 1954, when he first walked through the doors of Glenn Family Services as a young man eager to make his mark.
“I started out by setting tents, taking out vaults, making ambulance calls, and picking up bodies. I did a little bit of everything,” Harl said.
Over the years, he progressed from those early tasks to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer in 1961.
For Harl, the funeral industry is not just a profession – it runs in the family.
“My great-grandmother was a Glenn, so it’s part of the family for me,” he said. “I liked what I was doing, so I just stayed. After my mom passed away when he was 12, the Glenns looked out for me, becoming like a second family.”
Through the years, Harl has seen countless changes in the funeral business.
“The funeral business today doesn’t resemble 50 years ago,” he said. “Back then, we had two or three days of visitation. Now, it’s often down to two or three hours. And the flower business has changed, too—people used to send lots of flowers; now it’s more potted plants and doodads.”
Glenn Taylor, President of Glenn Family Services, considers Harl a vital part of the organization.
“He’s like a big brother to me,” Taylor said. “When my dad died in 1978, I don’t know what I would have done without Allan. He’s been a trusted advisor, a partner, and a teacher — teaching us not by intention but by example.”
One of Harl’s many lessons imparted to Taylor was the importance of integrity.
“Maybe one of the most valuable things I learned from Allan is when you make a mistake, you own up to it and say, ‘We did this, and I’m sorry. What can we do to make it better?’ Never try to cover anything up,” Taylor said.
Harl was instrumental in transitioning the funeral homes in Owensboro out of the coroner business, citing a conflict of interest that could arise, even with the most honest intentions.
Despite the industry changes, Harl’s dedication has remained unchanged. When asked what he enjoys most about his job, his response is simple: “Helping people.”
Through the years, he has established several friendships and left a lasting impact on the community.
Today, at 88 years old, Harl is still active at Glenn Family Services, continuing to serve families with a strong sense of commitment and care. Taylor said his presence is felt in every corner of the funeral home and the Memorial Gardens.
“He’s just as honest as the day is long,” Taylor said. “I don’t know what I would have done without him, and I think our community feels the same way.”
