Harlen Herman Eads, 78, of South Charleston, born December 9, 1934, passed away March 24, 2013 at his home after a long illness.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rev. Juanita J. Eads; brothers, Roy Eads, Jimmy Eads, and Timothy Brown; father, Howard Eads; and mother, Juanita Eads-Brown.

Harlen is survived by five sons, Terry Eads and wife Donna of Alum Creek, David Eads of St. Albans, Jeff Eads and wife Karen of Culloden, Wayne Mallory and wife Bernice of South Charleston, and Hardy Eads of South Charleston; five daughters, Charlotte White of Milton, FL, Robin Auxier and husband Buck of Charleston, Vicki Shelton and husband Charles of South Charleston, Cindy O'Neal and husband Carl of Dunbar, and Sandy Bishop and husband Keith of Garrett's Bend. He is also survived by thirty grandchildren; thirty one great-grandchildren; three sisters, Frances Bishop of South Charleston, Loretta Cottrell, and Yolanda Johnson both of St. Albans; and his loving dog, Chloe.

He enjoyed singing in church and had a well-known rendition of "The Light House" that was favored by many and also loved to watch a good ball game.

Harlen was a strong-willed but loving father. He was a member of Upton Creek Community Church, and was faithful to local nursing home ministries through the years. He was also a member of Local Laborer's Union #1353 for more than 50 years, and worked for Parkway Super Market for 17 years.

The family would like to send a special thanks to Kim Cyrus and Hospice House of Charleston, and special friend, Laura France. And thanks to a very special daughter-in-law, Bernice Mallory, for her loving and caring help.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 29 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar with Rev. Charles Shelton officiating. Burial will follow at Bishop and Burgess Cemetery, Garrett's Bend.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 28, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.