Harland Chambers

Harland “Pony” Chambers (87) passed away at The Journey Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma on Friday, December 11, 2020.

Harland was born August 6, 1933 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Leroy and Gertrude (Kemp) Chambers.  He attended Douglass High School in Bartlesville. He continued his education at Kansas Technical Institute before he was called to serve his country in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1955. He returned home, married Corinne Burgess and they resided in Bartlesville with their four children: Gwen, Harland “Ron”, Brenda and Steven.

Harland worked as the first African-American mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Bartlesville until he retired in 1978.  He was a member of the Mason’s, Westside Community Center, an original member of Douglassaires Association, and attended Bethel A.M.E. Church. Harland loved sports, dominoes, and playing poker.  His past times included watching Judge Judy and Wheel of Fortune, eating Blue Bell vanilla ice cream, feeding the birds, sitting on the porch (and fussing LOL).  He received a scholarship to attend Kansas Tech.  That is how he got the nickname Pony.

Harland is survived by his daughters, Gwendolyn (James) of Muskogee, OK, Brenda Chambers of Bartlesville, OK and son Steven (Sandra) Chambers of Oklahoma City and daughter-in-law, Leatta June Taylor of Bartlesville, OK; sister, Eva Jones; brothers, Henry and Wayne Chambers all of Los Angeles, CA.  He was blessed with 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren.  He is also survived by a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Harland was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Gertrude; wife, Corinne; son, Harland “Ron”; brothers, Walter “Cookie”, Richard, and Larry Chambers.

Harland will lie in state at Arnold Moore and Neekamp Funeral Home on Thursday December 17, from 9:00-5:00.  Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 18, at 1:00 pm.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home.  Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemories.com. The funeral service will be streamed on Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home Facebook page.