Ronald Harper
East Alton | Friday, January 4 2013 |
Ronald Glenn Harper, 78, flew home to be with the Lord at 1:20 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2013 at University Nursing & Rehabilitation in Edwardsville. Born May 1, 1934 in Greene County, Ill. he was a son of Glenn and Margaret Harper. He married Emma Damm (Tharp) on July 15, 1986 in Greenfield. She survives.
A graduate of Greenfield High School, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952. He continued his service as a naval pilot until 1974. He loved to fly, and was a recipient of the Navy Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart Medal. He was a member of the Cottage Hills VFW Post #7678, as well as St. Paul United Methodist Church.
In addition to his wife, survivors also include four sons, Alan, Barry, Reggie, and David, and one daughter, Valerie. He was the beloved stepfather to Kimberly and Mike Wood and Dan and Cindy Tharp; and doting grandfather to Emma and Tony Wood, Miranda Powell, and Robyn Barber.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8 at Paynic Home for Funerals in Rosewood Heights, where Pastor Daryl Fansler will officiate services at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9.
Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to University Nursing & Rehabilitation, where so many lovingly cared for him.Online guestbook and information at www.paynicfh.com.
Paynic Home for Funerals
