John Harper

SIKESTON, Mo. -- John F. Harper, 70, died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Feb. 19, 1939, in Harrison, Ark., son of the late Roy and Jane Leet Harper. He and Linda Bollinger were married Aug. 12, 1960, at Oran Baptist Church in Oran, Mo.

Harper was a 1957 graduate of Oran High School and a 1961 graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was vice president of First National Bank in Sikeston 25 years, was employed at Galemore Motor Co. in Charleston, Mo., 19 years, and most recently worked at Autry Morlan in Sikeston.

He was a member of Miner Baptist Church more than 35 years and was a former deacon of the church. He also served 10 years as a member/president of Thomas W. Kelly School Board and coached Little League in Sikeston many years.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Karen Harper of New Hamburg, Mo., Scott and Starla Harper of Jefferson City, Mo.; a daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Jim Porter of Sikeston; a sister, Dorothy Griffin of Oran; six grandchildren, Kristin Tyra, Brett Harper, Michael Porter, Cole Harper, Megan Porter and Carson Harper; a great-grandson, Harper Tyra; and several nieces and nephews.

A brother, Ben Harper, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Blanchard Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, where services are set for 11 a.m. Thursday. The Revs. Mitch Jackson and Jimmy Matthews will officiate. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens near Morley, Mo.