Robert Harper

Robert "Bob" William Harper, 91, of Jackson passed away Saturday, June 30, 2018, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Nov. 28, 1926, in Paola, Kansas, to Frank C. and Faye M. Foland Harper. He married Evelyn Ellen Farris in January 1951. She preceded him in death June 4, 1984. He then married Rebecca "Betty" Jones McDowell on Oct. 28, 1988, in Jackson. She preceded him in death Nov. 10, 1998.

Bob was a veteran, having served in the Army Air Corps.

He was a member of the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band for 50 years, the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps for 70 years, past master of St. Mark's Masonic Lodge No. 93 for 70 years, Wilson Chapter No. 75 R.A.M., Cape Council No. 20 R.S.M., Cape Girardeau Commandery No. 55 K.T, and secretary/treasurer of varied Masonic orders for 44 years. He volunteered with the AARP tax-aid and was an instructor of AARP 55 Alive Safety Driving Courses. He also was a member of Eastern Star, past member of Cape Shrine Club and a member of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson.

Survivors include his five children, Marcia Arehart of Atlanta, William R.(Cheryl) Harper of Park Hills, Missouri, John F. Harper of Cape Girardeau, Jeffrey G. (Angelina) Harper of Columbia, Missouri, and Thomas (Mary) Harper of Marble Hill, Missouri; three stepchildren, Bekki (John) Cook, A. Scott McDowell and Patrick K. McDowell; nine grandchildren, Geoffrey Vandeweghe, Robbie Harper, Jason Harper, Christopher Harper, Amy Harper, Floyd Harper, Frank Harper, Michael Harper and Mary Kay Harper; three stepgrandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife and second wife.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Masonic service will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday.

Funeral will follow at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Grant Gillard officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park, with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be given to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.