76, of Willow Hill, IL.
A CASUAL GATHERING of family and friends will be held from 3 ~ 6 p.m., Monday, January 12, 2015 at the Pulliam Funeral Home in Oblong, IL.
CELEBRATION OF DON’S LIFE SERVICE: 6 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2015 at the Pulliam Funeral Home Oblong, IL. with Pastors Alvin Neidigh and Phil Boyd officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded.
EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY: May take the form of a contribution to the Crawford County Saddle Club with envelopes at or may be mailed to Pulliam Funeral Home, PO Box 121, Oblong, IL 62449.
Donald Gene Harper, Sr. 76, of rural Willow Hill, IL. passed away at 11:50 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at his residence. Born on May 3, 1938 in Canton, IL., he was the son of Fred Harper and Gladys Marie (Ward) Harper. On March 27, 1958 he married Martha Jean Barker and she survives.
Don was a graduate of the Cuba Illinois High School Class of 1956; he was employed with Crete Oil Company as a foreman, retiring in 2000; previously employed for 18 years as an electrician with Truex Coal Company in Fiatt, IL.; he was a member of the Crawford County Saddle Club and the United Mine Workers. Don enjoyed horseback riding, enjoyed playing basketball till he was 42 years old, then enjoyed just watching the game. He earned a full ride scholarship at both Bradley University and University of Kentucky but chose Martha instead. Don played semi-pro football in Canton, IL and was an avid Chicago Bulls and Chicago Bears fan.
Survivors include his wife Martha Harper of Willow Hill, IL.; two sons and daughters-in-law Donald Jr. and Lesa Harper, Willow Hill, IL and Brent and Karen Harper, Oblong, IL.; two daughters and sons -in-law Brenda Lea and Michael Allender, Bridgeport, IL and Becky and Robbie Hawkins, Jerseyville, IL; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James Fred Harper and Junior Allen Harper; and one sister Gladys Irene Johnson.
Condolences and memories to the family at www.oblongfuneralhome.com.
