Message from Lisa Osterud

I was saddened to hear about Gary. I so enjoyed Gary & Margaret Earl. I got my first wolfhound puppy from them. It was from a litter that Dani had. I spent a lot of time with them & the wolfhounds! Loved them both. They will be missed.

Message from Matt Sauter

I see all of Mr. Harper's connections to the Oakland City area, but I was blessed to have him as my 6th grade science teacher back in the early 70s at Princeton Community Middle School on State Street. I was funny and light-hearted and, yes, I learned science from him. Like most kid's, you sadly lose track of most teachers, so I don't know how long he stayed there. I DO remember one funny incident. We had a student pep rally in the gym and one of the 'events' was we got to vote for the ugly legs contest. Behind a very long sheet, stood 5-7 male teachers and we got to vote from the stands by clapping. Mr. Harper was the one who tied maybe his necktie or something else to make his legs stand out and I think he actually won...we just didn't know it was him at the time. Anyway, great memories of the mustached Mr. Harper from a goofy 6th grade student who enjoyed learning science from him. I hope for an overwhelming sense of God's presence in the lives of the Harper family at this time. He looked to be well-loved and sure gave it back.

A candle was lit by Thelma and Telvis Bell on January 22, 2018 7:28 AM

Message from Karen Jones

I am truly sorry for your loss. I loved visiting with Gary. He was always the same. He was gentle, kind, and love to laugh. He had such a good sense of humor. Gary and Margaret Earl and Lloyd I used to go out to dinner and a movie. We had delightful times. I am so pleased for him and them that Alison and Gracie became close with Gary. I know he wanted that.

A candle was lit by Lloyd and Karen Jones on January 22, 2018 1:13 AM

Message from Kevin P. Smith

I was so sorry to hear of Gary's death. Looking at the video caused me to have several fond memories of Gary & Margaret Earl. I remember one incident when I was at their house & for some reason, I can't remember right now what, but I was help Gary round up the wolfhounds for Margaret Earl. In trying to round them up, all the wolfhounds wanted to do, was play with me. Gary was getting exasperated with them but Margaret Earl was standing back laughing at them & me. I can still remember both of their faces & expressions.
Just one of those memories....Again so very sorry.
Kevin P. Smith
(Nephew of Paul Stormont)

Message from Jim Julian

Many fond memories of Gary! As a student at OCC he was a joy to be around. His laugh infectious and his joy for life an example to chase! Growing up when my parents and I visited from CA stopping by the Harpers house was always a highlight. Going to school at OCC and sharing the stage with Gary was an absolute delight! My prayers for peace an comfort to the family. God bless! What a man!!

Expression of Sympathy

A Designers Choice was sent by Allen and chanis Murphree on January 21, 2018

A candle was lit by Kathy Riley Gladish on January 21, 2018 2:18 AM

Message from Bob Leich

Gary was one great guy whose laugh always filled the room. We first met in 1978. I ran a wholesale drug firm, Charles Leich & Company, located in Evansville. One of our customers was Parker Drug in Oakland City, and in that year "Bud" Parker heard that I had bought a new boat and was keeping it at the Inland Marina. Bud called and we arranged an outing in the Ohio and he asked if he... "could bring a few friends." Gary, or "Harper" as the guys all called him, was on that first outing and every one thereafter for the next 12 years. We had so many good times and laughs, and I only wish I could be there with you this week to share some of those stories. I extend my heartfelt condolences.
Bob Leich - Los Angeles, CA

A candle was lit by George and Malinda Gilbert on January 19, 2018 5:03 PM

A candle was lit by George Pickersgill - Gibson Co Veterans Service Office on January 19, 2018 2:57 PM

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Today, on behalf of the citizens of a grateful county, we honor Mr. Harper's military service. We owe him, and those like him, a tremendous debt of gratitude. Surely our nation is a better and safer one because of his selflessness. I beg you to contact me if I may be of any service to your family. With deepest respect and sympathy.

Message from Serena Gray

Gary was such a very nice man. Him along with about 10 others would come in to the Eagles every morning have there coffee and go play some poker. They would spend about an hour at least playing. You would always know when he was leaving you would hear his laugh and he would say see you tomorrow Serena. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.

A candle was lit by Faye Seramur on January 19, 2018 2:57 AM

A candle was lit by Lisa Alley Evans on January 18, 2018 8:13 PM

A candle was lit by Kaye Montgomery on January 18, 2018 8:07 PM

A candle was lit by Betty Burns on January 18, 2018 7:50 PM

A candle was lit by Jim & Juenell Owens on January 18, 2018 7:21 PM

A candle was lit by Deloris C Camp on January 18, 2018 7:12 PM

Message from Kathy S Ritcheson

So sorry I had Mr Harper in middle School. he was a good teacher

A candle was lit by Kathy Ritcheson on January 18, 2018 6:46 PM

A candle was lit by Alec Hensley & Family on January 18, 2018 5:22 PM