Charles Douglas Harper, North Manchester, passed away Feb. 20, 2020 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was 78 years old.

Harper was born Oct. 31, 1941, to Jack Harper and Mary Walker. His father passed away in June 1994. His mother passed away in March 2012.

Harper married Sandra Sue Freeman on April 15, 1961. She passed away on Aug. 13, 2015.

He loved golfing at Sycamore Golf Course and dining out. Harper was an avid gun collector and loved keeping his lawn perfectly manicured. He most recently volunteered his time mowing at Timbercrest where he resided. Harper was always happy when he was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and his wife had a heart for children and over the years opened their home to many foster children.

Harper is survived by his siblings William (Trish) Harper, South Bend; and Cheryl (Richard) Conroy, The Villages, Fla. Children: Mitchell (Tracy) Harper, Columbia City; Christopher Harper, Plymouth; Aaron (Leslie Shewman) Harper, Akron; and Sarah (Kim) Carpenter, Wabash. Grandchildren: Blake (Emily) Harper, Colton Harper, Kailen (Haylee Bidwell) Carpenter, Kamden Carpenter, Konner Carpenter, Jaxon Harper, and Emerson Harper. Great-grandchildren: Kynnley Carpenter. He was preceded in death by one great-grandson, Caden Henry Harper.

Harper was a member of Congregational Christian Church, North Manchester.

Harper’s funeral will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 at McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR 114W, North Manchester. Pastor J.P. Freeman will officiate. Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 at McKee Mortuary.