James Harper

James Harper, son of the late Henry E. Harper and Orta A. Reynolds Harper, and raised by Thomas and Mayme Harper Haydock, was born Jan. 9, 1923, in Bloomfield, Mo., and died Oct. 22, 2014, in Fenton, Mo., at the age of 91.

Mr. Harper was retired from Missouri Illinois Tractor as a mechanic on heavy equipment, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having been awarded three Bronze Stars for campaigns in the China Offensive, India Burma and Central Burma.

He was married to Mary Patricia Pierce Harper for 63 years. Mrs. Harper preceded him in death.

Survivors include two sons, Michael Harper of Festus, Mo., and Robert (Zoe) Harper of Wentzville, Mo.; and two daughters, Cheryl (Peter) Kunkel of Hillsboro, Mo., and Mary Kay (Steven) Foster of Festus, Mo.; eight grandchildren, James (Katie) Harper, Steven Harper, Zach Foster, Jeff Foster, Cody Foster, Meghan (Adam) Waelder, Lauren Harper and Erin Harper; two great-grandchildren, Bradlee Foster and Bree Harper; one sister, Louise (Lloyd) Durre and one brother, Eugene R. (Maxine Stroud) Harper.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery Jefferson Barracks, Mo., with Pastor Jason Ahrens officating.