Herbert E. Harper Jr.

DR. HERBERT E. HARPER, JR. Herbert E. Harper, Jr., a resident of San Antonio since 1949, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 31, 2007 at the age of 74. Herb was born on December 8, 1932 in Mt. Calm, Texas and moved at a very young age to the family ranch at Whitsett, Texas. He was the son of Herbert E. Harper, Sr. and Emma Lee (Hancock) Harper, both of whom preceded him in death. The family then lived in Alice, Texas for eleven years before moving to San Antonio where Herb graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. Following graduation Herb proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. Upon returning home he received both Bachelor and Master Degrees from Trinity University and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Western Colorado University. Herb taught 9 years in the San Antonio Independent School District followed by a tenure of 24 years with the South San Antonio Independent School District serving the last 17 years as Superintendent of Schools and retiring in 1990. Herb and his wife, D'Ann (Taylor) Harper enjoyed working together at their family ranch raising cattle and riding horses. In 1986 they founded Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper, Realtors. Together they grew CBDHR into one of San Antonio's largest and most successful real estate companies. While Herb and D'Ann were married for 48 years, their love was one that truly spanned a lifetime. Those who knew Herb always found him with a smile on his face and a funny story to tell. Many times he couldn't finish his own story because he was laughing so hard. Herb spent countless hours at the family ranches in Live Oak and Atascosa Counties teaching his two daughters everything he knew about the cattle business. Later in life his true enjoyment came from sharing his love for ranching with his five grandchildren. Herb is survived by his wife of 48 years, D'Ann (Taylor) Harper, the daughter of the late Prentice and Beatrice Taylor of Whitsett, and his two daughters, Kaye (Harper) Contreras and Leesa (Harper) Rispoli and husband Nick; five grandchildren, Mikey Contreras, Daniel Contreras, Cristian Contreras, Ashlee Harper, Marlee Allen and countless dear friends. The family will receive friends at a visitation on Friday, August 3, 2007 at Porter Loring North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 East, from 6 until 8 PM. SERVICE SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2007 10:00 A.M. COKER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 231 E. NORTH LOOP ROAD Rev. Dr. Barbara Galloway-Edgar officiating. A private interment will follow at the City Cemetery in Luling, Texas. Pall bearers include Nick Rispoli, Russ Griffith, Gabe Richter, Robert Hayden, Rudy Krisch, III, and Larry Taylor. The family suggests that memorials be made to the San Antonio Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 7400 Louis Pasteur, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78229 or Coker United Methodist Church, 231 E. North Loop Road, San Antonio, TX 78216. The family is grateful for the blessing Herb has been in their lives and they thank God for the time they had with him. They would like to thank the staff at The Haven and Vitas Hospice for their loving and devoted care. You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary North.