Walter Harper

Mr. Walter Johnson Harper, 80, of Thurmont died Tuesday, October 4, 2005 at Northampton Manor Health Care. He was the husband of the late Betty Martin Harper who died in 2000.

Born on September 1, 1925 in Hansonville, Md., he was the son of the late Paul and Viola Ramsburg Harper. An automobile mechanic for over 42 years with Roney Motor Company of Frederick, Walter later worked part time for Tate/ Don Phillips Auto.

A lifetime member of the Thurmont Church of the Brethren, he also served the church as a deacon. He was a life member of the Lewistown Volunteer Fire Company. Serving in the U.S. Navy during W.W. II on the USS Frybarger, Walter received the European Theater, Pacific Theater, American Theater, Philippine Liberation Ribbons as well as the Victory Medal.

Devoted husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed nature and especially the time spent tending the roses in his garden.

Survivors include two daughters, Bonnie Hawes-Tavares and husband Arthur of Sabillasville and Nancy Wine and husband John Jr. of Thurmont; two grandchildren, Richard Wine and wife Tammy of Thurmont and Matthew Hawes and wife Janet of Myersville; four great-grandchildren, Brandy, Devin and Dalton Wine and Sebastian Hawes; five sisters, Wilhelmina Stone and husband Bruce, Louise Boyer, Ethelene Eaton and husband Henry, Emogene Michael and husband Sam, and Shirley McNell and husband Bob; and a brother, Robert E. Harper and wife Celeste. Walter will also be remembered by a special friend Mary Alice Smith. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Shawn Wine; and a sister, Erma Schultz.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 E. Main Street, Thurmont, Md.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 6, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the Thurmont Church of the Brethren, 14 Altamont Avenue, Thurmont, Md., with the Rev. Linda Lambert officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the Thurmont Church of the Brethren at the above address or to the Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Company, 11101 Hessong Bridge Road, Thurmont, MD 21788.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.