William Harper (2016)

FOLEY, HALVERSON, HARPER, ROSS

Posted By: Mary Welty Hart
Date: 12/15/2016 at 10:32:58

Kale Funeral Home
Truro, Iowa
Thursday, December 15, 2016

WILLIAM HARPER, Truro, Iowa

William Harper was born at home in rural Winterset Iowa to Maynard Harper Sr. and Sarah (Foley) Harper on March 21, 1932. Bill passed away at the V.A. Center in Des Moines Iowa on December 13, 2016 at the age of 84.

He attended the country schools in Madison County and Truro High School. Bill was in the Army during the Korean Conflict. A year after he was honorably discharged, he married Dorothy Ann Ross on May 28, 1956 in St. Mary's Iowa. They had four children. Bill and his family lived on a family farm 5 miles south of Peru along Bird Creek. Bill and Dorothy farmed together until 1982 when the family moved to Eldon Missouri. But when Bill couldn't farm in Flint Rock, the family moved back to Iowa. They resided in Pleasanton Iowa until Bill retired from the Central Decatur School District as a bus driver in 1995. He drove the bus for over 30 years and also drove for the Interstate 35 and Murray Community School Districts.

Following his retirement Bill and Dorothy moved back to Peru. They then became "snowbirds" and bought a home at J-5 RV Park in Mission,Texas, where they enjoyed many winters amongst their new found friends.

Bill was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veteran's and an American Legion Member.

Bill enjoyed farming and did so the majority of his life. He was an avid hunter. He enjoyed traveling and when the kids were in the home he took the family on vacations every summer. Bill loved to read. He collected numerous items and dealt in antiques most of his life. He had large collections of cars and tractors over the years. And a large collection of toys. He loved a "good" auction. He liked dancing and Dorothy and him were seen at square dances quite often in earlier years. He also enjoyed his westerns. He enjoyed kids and liked to pester them! He took great care of his family and was proud of them and loved them.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother's Mike and Maynard Harper and youngest daughter Sheila Harper.

He leaves to cherish his wife of 60 years Dorothy at their home in Peru. His children, Theresa (Bob) Parker of Pleasanton Iowa, Dan (Diane) Harper of Murray Iowa and Jason (Jennifer) Harper of Peru Iowa. Four grandchidren and five great grandchildren. Bill's great granddaughter Mackenzie Halverson shares his birthday March 21st. One brother in law Dean (Marliss) Ross of Eldon Mo. and three sister in laws, Doris Harper of Peru, Betty Harper and Juanita Ross both of Winterset Iowa also survive Bill. He also leaves behind a few cousins, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Disabled American Veterans.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

VISITATION: Dec 15, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Kale Funeral Home, Truro, Ia

FUNERAL: Dec 16, 11:00 AM

Kale funeral home, Truro, Ia

CEMETERY; Peru Cemetery, Peru, Ia

Gravesite
 

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