Dr. Gary Lee Harper, was born May 25, 1937. Gary residing his entire lifetime in Oakland City, Indiana entering eternal rest at his home on January 16, 2018. Gary graduated from Oakland City High School in 1955, and as a Professor from Oakland City College. He served in the United States Army, leaving as an Army Specialist-5th Class. In December, 1964 he married Margaret Earl McConnell. Gary was well known in Oakland City and an inspiration to many because of his kind heart and contagious laugh that could fill a room. He owned and operated many businesses in the community including: Landstuhl Kennels, Oaks Printing Co., Amore’ Pizza, Oaks Laundromat and several rental properties and farmland. He was also a City Council Member from 1966-1999. Gary retired from Oakland City University with a doctorate in Biology. He was a long time member of Oakland City Good Shepherd United Methodist Church and many organizations like Masonic Lodge since 1967, Hadi Shriners, Kiwanis, American Legion Post 256, Elks, American Medical Technologist and American Kennel Association. Gary & Margaret Earl had a love for dogs, especially the Irish Wolfhounds and Doberman Pinschers breeds. They showed and bred them in kennel club shows and were very successful showing many prize dogs, including Dani of Landstuhl (Irish Wolfhound) in 1988 winning Best in Nation at the Tri State Kennel club in Tulsa, Oklahoma and 21 Show 1sts.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Alison Harper and granddaughter Gracie Harper, both of Oakland City; brother, Hal Dishawn Harper of Tennessee; and niece, Ginger (Steve) Schenks and family of Oakland City.

Gary is preceeded in death by his parents, Hallie & Annabell Harper; wife, Margaret Earl Harper; and grandson, Ezekiel Tre’ Smith.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 22, 2018 at Corn-Colvin Funeral Home in Oakland City, IN, officiated by Dr. Douglas Low & Pastor Darin Nossett. Burial will follow at Montgomery Cemetery in Oakland City, IN. Visitation will be Sunday, January 21, 2018 from 4-8 p.m. with a Masonic Memorial Service at 7 p.m. and from 10-11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Military graveside service by Oakland City American Legion Post #256.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to American Legion Post 256, Oakland City, IN. Envelopes will be available at the Corn-Colvin Funeral Home. You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.corncolvinfuneralhome.com