David Harper

David A. Harper, age 87 of Lancaster, Ohio left this life on Wednesday, September 19th, 2018 to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. David passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was born February 24, 1931 to the late Patience and Dennis Harper.

During his 21-year career in the U.S. Air Force, he met and married his first wife Joan, and they had 4 children who shared in his life of travel and adventure. His oldest daughter and two sons continued his tradition of service. David was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Upon retiring from the service in 1970, Dave and Joan moved the family back to his home state of Ohio and settled in Lancaster. He eventually began a new career with Walker Manufacturing Company in their maintenance department. In 1986 his wife Joan went to be with the Lord.

After retiring from Walker, Dave and his second wife Laverne became full time RVers and travelled the country. In addition, they assisted with home renovation through the Baptist Church, returning to settle in Lancaster once again after health concerns forced them off the road. David’s faith sustained him after Laverne was diagnosed with Dementia, and he became her caregiver until the Lord took her home.

David met his third wife Linda at Cedar Hill Baptist Church, where they were both members. He served faithfully as a Deacon until his health forced him to resign. He had a strong love for his Lord, his family, and his church.

David is survived by his wife, Linda Harper; daughters, Deborah (Ernie) Stephens and Valarie Messerknecht; son, Richard (Dawn) Harper; step son, Jeffrey (Andrea) Heft; step daughter, Pamela Benson; grandchildren, Jeremiah, Melody, Noelle, Tonia, Julia, Jeremy, Patricia, Shawn, Melissa, Samantha, John, David, Aileen, Cody, Sharia Ann, Traci, Jarred, and Jessica; and many great grandchildren.

David was preceded in death by his wife, Joan P. Harper; wife, Laverne L. Harper; son, Michael Harper; and sister, Shirley Harding.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Monday at Cedar Hill Baptist Church, 1415 Cedar Hill Rd, Lancaster, Ohio 43130 with Pastor Jacob Wysong officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hills Memory Gardens, Lancaster with Veteran Rites by the Lancaster Veterans Burial Detail. Family and friends may visit from 2:00 to 5:00 pm Sunday at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, 405 N Columbus St, Lancaster, Ohio 43130 and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service

1:00 PM ,Monday, September 24, 2018
Cedar Hill Baptist Church
1415 Cedar Hill Road Lancaster, Ohio 43130
Notes: Visitation one hour prior to the service.

Visitation

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM ,Sunday, September 23, 2018
Frank E. Smith Funeral Home
405 N. Columbus St Lancaster, OH 43130