Donald Jackson Harper

Donald Jackson Harper of Bloomfield, died on Nov. 6, 2015, at his residence. He was born on Dec. 5, 1923, to Reuben and Thelma Alsup Harper.

After graduating from Bloomfield High School with the class of 1943, he served in the Navy, during WW II on the U.S.S. Jarvis. During the Korean Conflict he served on the U.S.S. Benham. The Benham took a Good Will Tour to Europe and was at the Rock of Gibraltar when he received word his son was born.

He married Maxine Guilliams on Sept. 30, 1950, in Piggott, Ark. She survives of their home in Bloomfield.

He was a member of the Dexter Church of Christ, the American Legion and a lifetime member of the AMVETS. He worked as a electrical lineman for the REA and later traveled with the IBEW

He was active in the community, serving on the school board and as a alderman of the city, even filling in for a year as the mayor.

Don enjoyed spending hours at the family farm and at their cabin on Current River. He was a avid deer and turkey hunter.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Bruce "Rip" Harper and wife, Karen of Dexter; one daughter, Melisia Bowie Parker and husband Larry of Dudley; four grandchildren, Ben Bowie and Jessie, Amy Briggs and husband, Adam of Laurence, Kan., Theron Harper of Reno, Nev., and Beth Fowler and husband, Billy of Dexter; two great-grandchildren, Richard J. Bowie and Gracyn Fowler also many friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Joseph, and two sisters, Virginia Grant and Linda Metzner and one son-in-law, Richard Bowie.

Visitation will be held at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter at 1 p.m. with Clyde Jacques officiating.

The family requests memorials may be made to the Stoddard County Children's Home or a charity of their choice.

Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.