Richard W. “Dick” Harper, age 75, of Marion, went to be with the Lord Monday evening, January 17, 2011, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus following a year long illness.
On November 25, 1935, Dick was born in Marion, Ohio, the son of the late Francis and Freda (Fultz) Harper.
Shortly before graduating high school, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army to be of service to his country. He was trained to be a paratrooper while being stationed in Raleigh, North Carolina, during peace time.
While working as an usher when he was younger at the Marion Theatre on Main Street, Dick noticed he had been escorting one young lady, Mary Ellen Burnett, to a seat to watch a movie quite often. Turns out she was going to see him instead of the movies. And after dating for several years, Dick and Mary were married on December 28, 1956, at Forest Lawn Presbyterian Church in Marion. Together they shared over fifty-four wonderful years of marriage.
For thirty years, Dick worked as the plant operator at the Water Treatment Plant in Marion, and he retired from there in April of 1988. Always trying to take care of his family, Dick and his son, Dave, painted houses on the side for many years. He also worked as a greeter at Meijer’s, and drove cars for McDaniel Automotive.
A man of faith, Dick was an active member of the Forest Lawn Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and fixed every Easter breakfast since he joined the church.
With a love for traveling, Dick and Mary would hop in the car and go as often as they could. They especially loved traveling to Branson, Missouri, or simply going anywhere they hadn’t already been to experience something new. He also loved to play cards, and bowl with Mary in their younger days.
Known for being ornery, Dick “loved a good laugh.” He loved to tease and razz people, especially the nurses at the hospital and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Mary Harper; son, David Harper; son-in-law, Robert Corbin; two grandchildren: Robert Corbin Jr. and Kayla (Stephen) Mitchell; and four great-grandchildren: Stephen, Isaac, Ethan and Aaron Mitchell, all of Marion.
Including his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathryn Ann Corbin in 2009; a brother, Robert Harper; and a sister.
The Harper family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, January 24, 2011, at the Forest Lawn Presbyterian Church, 908 E. Center St., Marion, where services celebrating her life will also be held on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., with Lay Pastor Richard Mickley officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Forest Lawn Presbyterian Church or to the American Cancer Society, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home of Marion is honored to serve the Harper family.
For those wishing to express their private condolences online to Dick’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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