RICK CLAY HARPER

HARPER, MILLS, HILL, CORDONA, OSPINA, WHITE

Posted By: Vicki (email)
Date: 9/28/2015 at 15:48:01

Rick Clay Harper, age 63, of Moravia, Iowa passed away Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, Iowa.

He was born August 12th, 1952 in Bloomfield, Iowa, to Deverre Harper and Mattie Mills. He graduated from Davis County High School and then later received a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture and Landscape Design from Iowa State University.

Rick was able to spend 22 years with his best friend Jackie White where they resided in Moravia, Iowa.

Rick was a member of the original group, Syndrum of Soul, playing drums from the time he was 14 years old and founding the first band with Gary French in 1966.

He always shared his passion for live music, going to concerts and dancing with his daughter and friends. His love for landscaping, flowers, and planting trees helped shape many communities in Bloomfield, Albia, Centerville, and Moravia, Iowa.

He was involved in running several establishments, including Fat Annies, the Kozy Inn Motel, and the rental business with Jackie "Bubs" White for 22 years together. They helped initiate several activities within the community such as Gobbler's Ball, the Fat Ride, the Moravia Easter Egg Hunt, weekly euchre, and served as President of the Moravia Housing Board. He was well known for his love for racing, the Iowa State Cyclones, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rick's greatest passion was spending time with family and friends celebrating life. In every way. From camping, to boating, playing in the band, and being "an enthusiastic collector," the greatest legacy he leaves behind is his love and happiness of life.

He is survived by his daughter, Dustin Marie Cardona Harper, and son-in-law, Ivan Dario Cardona Ospina of Bogota, Colombia. Also, his life partner and best friend, Jacqueline Ann White.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mattie B. Mills and H. Deverre Harper of West Grove Iowa, and his aunt Kathleen Hill, of Bloomfield Iowa, his grandmother, Jewel "Baa" Mills, of West Grove, Iowa, and his great grandparents, Clay and Hazel B. Harper of West Grove, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 12 PM, Friday, September 25, 2015 at the Grace United Methodist Church in Moravia, Iowa with Pastor Cindy Finn officiating. Burial will follow in the West Grove Cemetery. A visitation will take place at Lange Funeral Home in Moravia on Thursday, September 24 from 10AM to 8PM, with the family present from 5-8 PM. Memorials have been designated to the family of Rick Harper and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home 1900 South 18th Centerville, Iowa 52544.