Duane M. Harper

DUANE M. HARPER STAUNTON – Duane M. Harper, 89, of Staunton, went to his Savior on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 from Alzheimer’s.  He had resided at Royal Care Assisted Living, Staunton.  Mr. Harper was born February 23, 1928 in Augusta County.  He was the son of the late Mack W. Harper and Pearl Gough Harper of Staunton, originally from Monterey.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Sherry Harper Tullis; nephew, Patrick; niece, Joyce Ann; his closest cousin, Helen H. Schaffer; and cousin, Norma Ralston. Mr. Harper served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Survivors include his wife, Carleton Gilbert Harper; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Wayne G. and Patty Harper and Daniel K. Harper; grandchildren who were very close to his heart, Maddie and Kaitlyn Harper of Staunton; cousins, Gordon Harper of Staunton, Sharon Lunsford of Raphine, Amelia Ann Meise of North Carolina, Clyde Ralston and Ed Fox of Greenville, SC; and many others cousins. Duane graduated from Dunsmore Business College and took several related courses.  His career was with James Harper, Architect in Staunton, Knopp Brothers Enterprise, Inc. in Staunton, J. B. Wine and Company in Staunton, and J. S. Mathers in Waynesboro as a draftsman/estimator.  He created many blueprints for many churches, schools, and some prominent houses of Staunton. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and after marriage he was a member of Memorial Baptist Church and the Men’s Sunday School Class for 54 years.  He was a soft and gentle man who loved his family and heavenly Father.  Many, many thanks to the staff at Royal Care, especially Kim Martin, Lorie Woolridge, and Ginger Martin. A funeral service will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Memorial Baptist Church by the Rev. Mark W. Jones.  Interment will follow in Thornrose Cemetery.  Graveside military rites will be provided by a detail from Ft. Lee. Active pallbearers will be Allen Hensley, Bus Weller, Robert Vincent, Robert Ham, Oliver Cline, and Joe Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be the Men’s Sunday School Class and R. M. Stone. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm on Friday, March 24, 2017 in the Henry Funeral Home.