Stephen Robert Halper, 72, of Las Cruces, passed away December 8, 2016. After retiring from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1987, he briefly taught business management at New Mexico State University and then in 1993 he founded Halper's Pens in El Paso, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters, Leslie Halper and Sara Scharf; son-in-law, Jason Scharf; grandchildren, Nathaniel Scharf and Hannah Scharf; mother, Elizabeth Halper; brothers David Halper and William Halper; sister-in-law, Laura Halper. He is preceded by hisfather, Maurice Halper. There will be a graveside funeral service December 13, 2016 at 10:30 am at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery followed by a time of remembrance and a minyan/afternoon service at Temple Beth-El in Las Cruces, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to PJ Library (www.pjlibrary.org/donate) or to the University of Oklahoma Legacy Scholars Award (giving.oufoundation.org) in memory of Stephen R. Halper.

Arrangements are with La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home 555 West Amador Las Cruces NM 88005. To sign the local online guest book visit La Paz - Graham's Funeral Home : Las Cruces, New Mexico (NM)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Las Cruces Sun-News on Dec. 11, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Halper

Sponsored by LCsun-news.com.

10 Entries

Karen Conley

January 4, 2022

I am sad to have just found out that Steve passed away. I was one of his cadets at NMSU and he had a profound impact on my life when I need some direction. My husband and I always tried to stop and visit with him at the pen shop when we were in town.

Rabbi Cy Stanway

September 13, 2021

Believe it or not, I just found out that steve died about five minutes ago because we were sharing with another former congregant of Temple Beth El in Las Cruces another death of that just occurred. It was then that I found out that steve died. This honor to serve as his rabbi from 1990 to 1998. I really was drawn to his enthusiasm, his love of the military, his dedication to the temple, and of course, to his pen collection! I know it has been five years since he died but I´d still want to extend my condolences to all the family

Ellen

October 6, 2017

I met Mr. Halper almost twenty years ago when my employer took me to Halper's Pens to get my first fancy pen. It was a Pelican. It wasn't until nine years ago that I stopped in to get another pen. Mr. Halper didn't remember my name but sure remembered the pen I bought. After that, I would stop in off and on and look at the same pens over and over. Mr. Halper always made me feel welcome in his store. Always had time to show me the same pens over and over because he knew I loved the look of them. He just had a way about him that was welcoming. He is and will always be missed.

James McCarty

July 3, 2017

I just heard of Steve's passing. I visited his store many times when in El Paso and bought numerous pens from him. In recent years, I would see him at the Dallas Pen Show. Steve was a delightful fellow, and we will all miss him.

Colby Gladden

May 11, 2017

I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Stephen. I didn't find out till just now when I googled his name, remembering that he said he lived in Las Cruces. On Saturday, May 6th I brought in my wife's car for servicing at Firestone and noticed that Halper's Pens is now the new location of The Smoke Shop. I was one of his regular customers and would always visit his store when I brought in my cars for servicing at Firestone in the same mall complex. It's really sad to know that he passed on my birthday, Dec 8th. When I think about it, 72 is a very young age, considering that I'll turn 58 this coming Dec 8th. Steve was a very pleasant, soft-spoken man who seemed to really enjoy life. He was a good, honest business man to deal with, as well. When I would visit his store, we would discuss the various brands of pens, etc... and I bought some nice top-quality roller ball pens, and a top notch vintage Sheaffer pen and pencil set. When I see that pen and pencil set (and the receipt), I'll always have good memories of Steve. He will be greatly missed in El Paso, TX.

Charles Townley

December 21, 2016

I am really sorry to hear of Steve's passing. He introduced me to pens. I always enjoyed visiting his store, as much for his quick wit as his knowledge of pens. He was a mensch and I will miss him!

Alan Bedrick

December 17, 2016

Steve often visited with me in Tucson to talk pens, and buy and sell pens and writing accessories from each other. We often had lunch to talk about pens, and wordly affairs and more.
Steve was indeed a friend and I shall miss his humor, wit and good nature.

Bill Halper

December 15, 2016

Steve, David and myself, Bill Halper, were very close or as close as brothers can be. The times we spent together for our every other month'ish times with our parents for a long weekend were purely memorable, fun times. When pop was still with us (he passed six years ago), our prospective partners, Laura (Davids wife), Jane (Steve's wife) and James (Bill's husband) and mom took long walks, went butterfly watching (weird I know, but fun!) and going to the infamous Costco, just being together. Amazing really how as kids we were always at each others throat, but as we matured, the bond between us grew stronger and stronger. Steve and I would always email back and forth over nothing major, just to pick on each other, to serious discussions. I could go on and on, but I did tell Steve that if he does become ill, give it to me (I have malignant cancer, heart issues and so much more really fun stuff...NOT!!!). After all, why should both of us suffer when I can do it! But typically Steve, he didn't listen to me! I miss my older brother terribly, I light candles now for both my father and now Steve on a daily basis. But I know that one day, we will be together again...laughing, fighting, watching stupid syfy movies and just being brothers!

Farrah Bejarano

December 13, 2016

Leslie and family,

My deepest condolences to you all. Prayers and May God bless you all through this difficult time. I remember meeting your dad when we were youngsters.

December 13, 2016

Steve and I entered the pen business about the sametime, so we spoke frequently and learned from each other. He was a fine man and a good friend who will not be forgotten, Allen Gross

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