Herbert Clyde Harper

Herbert Clyde Harper, who was born on February 23,1929, and recently celebrated his 90th
birthday, died on Wednesday, May 22 in a healthcare facility following a brief illness. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Harper and Annie Shamblin Harper and step-mother,
Easter Goforth Harper . His loving wife of 60 years, Joan Norvill Harper, also preceded him in
death. One of 22 children in the family, he was predeceased by siblings Ruth Stillwell, Russell
Harper, Dorothy Mosely, Max Harper, Eugene Harper, Stella Conner, Evelyn Sample, Blanche
Bates, Frances Kincaid, Charles Harper, G.C. Harper, Betty Purdy, Shirley Letsinger, and Nell
Buchanan. He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Curtis and husband, Edwin; sons Ian
Harper and wife, Lisa; and Keith Harper and girlfriend, Hannah Ginese; and adoring
grandchildren Will and Emma Curtis and Kate and Allie Harper. His surviving siblings are Boyd
Harper, Helen Cole, Bonnie Wear, Dan Harper, Pat Harper, Tim Harper, and Kat Miller, as well
as many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Herb attended Greasy Creek Elementary School in Reliance, TN and Loudon High School in
Loudon, TN. Following school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for 22
years until his retirement in 1970. He served in Korea and in Thailand, during the Vietnam Nam
War. He subsequently served as the Historian for the 98th Bomb Group for many years and
found great joy in attending the Group’s annual reunions in various locales around the country.
After his retirement from the USAF, he worked at Duracell Battery in Cleveland.
A visitation reception will be held on Thursday, May 30 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the
Parish Hall of Saint Luke’s Memorial Episcopal Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. A Celebration
of the Life of Herb Harper will take place at 4:00 p.m. with interment, including full military
honors, to follow in the Saint Luke’s Memorial Garden. The Rev. Dr. Joel W. Huffstetler and The
Rev. Arthur Bass will officiate. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service is taking care of the
arrangements.
The family wishes to thank the nursing staff of Bradley Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
of Cleveland for their compassionate and loving care of Herb during his time there. Special
heartfelt appreciation is offered to the manager and wait staff of City Cafe in Cleveland for
making our family Saturday breakfasts so enjoyable.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Saint Luke’s Memorial Episcopal Church
in Cleveland, Tennessee or the 98th Bomb Group Scholarship Fund, ℅ Lura Hayes 15275
Payne Road, Marysville, OH 43040.