Franklin Harper, Jr.
March 19, 1927 - June 19, 2011
Obituary
OREGON- Franklin Harper, Jr., age 84, of Oregon, passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2011, at his home. He was born on March 19, 1927, in Oklahoma, the son of Franklin Harper and Bradie Boatman. Franklin married Helen Merlene Bedair on Dec. 29, 1945, in Overton, Texas. He served in the Army in Korea shortly after getting married. Franklin worked as a pipeliner in Texas, Louisiana and Illinois before finally settling in Madison in 1961. He retired from Cities Service in 1982 and then enjoyed life with his beloved wife and family. Franklin was an avid fisherman and gardener. He loved rodeos and annual trips to Texas. Franklin is survived by his wife of 65 years, Merlene; daughter, Zelwanda (Mike) Denson; son, Gary (Kathy) Harper; son, Mike (Joan) Harper; grandchildren, Tracy (Kevin) Heitke, Brenda Denson, Kelly (Mitch) Marks, Michael (Andrea) Harper and Steven Harper; five great-grandchildren, Toni, Cody, Danny, Travis and Trey; and the light of his life, great-great-grandson, Devan; brother-in-law, R.H. (Barbara) Bedair; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park Street, Oregon, at 7 p.m., on Monday, June 27, 2011. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. A special thank you to HospiceCare for all all of their compassion and care.
Memorials:
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc.
Visitation:
Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of service on Monday.
Service:
Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park Street, Oregon, at 7 p.m., on Monday, June 27, 2011.
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Memories
VB
Vernon & Pat Bedair
Other •
Merlene, Zel, Gary, Mike and extended families: All our love to each of you. Please know we are thinking of you and share in your loss.
SB
Staci Bedair Beasley
Other •
My prayers are with you all. I loved his "fish" stories and his laughter! He would laugh so hard before telling a funny story! He will be missed!
SB
Steve & Cathy Bedair
Other •
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
RC
Rev. Jimmy and Polly Coleman
Other •
Jim and I are so sorry to hear of Frank's homegoing because we know you will miss him so. His testimony as a good man who loved his Lord, his family, and friends has changed many a life. We were just talking about him several times in the last couple of months. Some of his advice is helping us to help a friend of ours. We remember with much joy the times we spent at your home talking, eating, and laughing. Remember when we had international students at your home. They were impressed with the food and the joy they felt in your home. So many precious memories to treasure. Our prayers are with you. Sorry we didn't know in time to come to the funeral. Lots of love, Jimmy and Polly
MB
Marybeth Bedair Bergeron
Other •
Al and I extend our deepest sympathy. You are in our prayers.
VH
valarie hunter
Other •
our prayers are with you all.
Valarie & Woody