John W. Harper

John Willis Harper, 83, a long time Ottawa resident, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2015. Graveside inurnment service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2015, at Highland Cemetery. A celebration of his life will follow at 12:00 noon, at Washburn Towers in the cafeteria. John was born December 19, 1931, in Ottawa, the son of Henry and Beulah (Ross) Harper. He graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1949, and continued his education attending Ottawa University from 1949 to 1950. He lived in Ottawa, KS, Kansas City, MO, St. Joseph, MO, Overland Park, KS, and Granbury, TX, before returning to Ottawa, in 1998. In 2013, he moved to Palm Springs, CA, to be closer to his son, John. Survivors include his son, John M. Harper and partner Shaun; three sisters, Ramona Hestand and husband Wayne, Patsy Hoch, and Susie Hendrickson and husband Gordon; brother, Richard Harper and wife Melanie; sister-in-law, Bonnie Harsh and husband Dean; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife of over 50 years, Patsy M. (Brown) Harper. During his career, he worked primarily in the grain business, and in 1979 helped to open Zen-Noh Grain Corp. in New Orleans. His life was rich with friends and family…He was often seen with a big smile and was a big flirt until the end. He will be missed and fondly remembered. The family suggests memorial contributions to Ottawa High School c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to leave their condolences and memories on John’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.