March 12, 2024

Linn County News

Published March 13, 2024

Robert William Harper,Jr., age 76, of LaCygne, Kan., passed away Saturday Feb. 24, 2024, at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka, Kan.

Bob was born July 14, 1947, in Louisburg, Kan. He was the eldest of seven children born to Robert William, Sr., and Esther Marie (Reeves) Harper. Bob grew up in Louisburg and graduated with the Louisburg High School.

Right after school, Bob enlisted into the United States Navy. He served his country for six years. Bob was honorably discharged in 1973. After getting out of the military, Bob worked a number of different jobs. He made cans and camper tops, drove a truck for the USPS, he was a meat cutter at Safeway, and worked at IBP. Bob worked at Vintage Park in Paola as a cook. At the same time, he worked at the Osawatomie State Hospital in the janitorial department where he retired.

On Feb. 14, 1986, Bob and Jamie Martin were united in marriage in Paola, Kan. They made their home in Miami and Linn County.

Bob enjoyed fishing, watching birds, playing cards and taking pictures. He planted a garden and had a green thumb. In his younger years, Bob hunted, tinkered in the garage and made wooden picture frames. Family was number one to Bob. He loved them all dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Jamie Harper of the home, children; Jonathan(Tanya) Martin of Topeka,Kan., and Sarah ((Wayne) Culbertson of Topeka,Kan.; his siblings; Sam Harper, David Harper, Lee Harper, Kevin Harper, Danny Harper and Sherry Harper. Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren and one on the way; Aaron Davis, Emily Davis, Alexander Martin, Sophia Martin, Nyree Wells, Patricia Rightmire, Morgan Martin, Abby Martin, Tyr Martin, William Nickelson-Martin, Aibel Nickelson-Martin, Elizabeth Martin-Harper and Eddie Swarthout, Jr. and other family and friends. 

A graveside  service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. Louisburg Cemetery in Louisburg, KS. Arrangements by Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home, Osawatomie, Kan.