Stanley J. Harper
Stanley J. Harper, 87, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, at Visiting Nurses Hospice Home in Fort Wayne, Ind.
He was born May 20, 1926, in New Haven, Ind., to Emmet E. and Fannie G. (Greenawalt) Harper. Stan married Cindy Bucher on May 16, 1976; she survives.
Stan served in the US Navy during WWII. He attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and later became the co-owner of E. Harper & Son Funeral Home in New Haven from 1948-1972. Stan later became the owner of the Sleepy Owl Bar & Restaurant in Syracuse from 1972-1976. He and his wife Cindy opened Harper’s Beach Bar on Dewart Lake from 1978-1986. Stan and Cindy spent the winters in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., for 37 years. He lived to deer hunt, which he did until he was 82-years old.
Stan was a life member of the North Webster American Legion, Past Commander of the New Haven American Legion and a life member of the Syracuse VFW.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years; two daughters: Valerie Harper, Port Charlotte, Fla.; Shelly (Denny) Corl, Syracuse; one son; J.K. Harper, San Francisco, Calif., one granddaughter: Ashley Harper, Port Charlotte.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister: Mary Elaine Rickard; four brothers: George E., James Keith, Bruce M. and Homer H. Harper.
A graveside service will be 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 28, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Milford, Ind.; Pastor Mike Smith of Fort Wayne will officiate along with military honors by the United States Navy and North Webster American Legion Post 253.
Memorial contributions may be given to Visiting Nurse Hospice Home or Riley Hospital for Children, in care of Mishler Funeral Home, 461 W. 900 N., Milford, IN 46542.