Glenn A. Harper

Glenn Allen Harper, age 81, of Kettering, OH passed away on August 1 2025 from Parkinson's disease.

Glenn was born to Evelyn Harper (Bump) and Gordon Harper in Akron OH. He grew up in Akron and graduated from Kenmore High School. Glenn furthered his education and graduated from Antioch College with a degree in American History and a Master's degree in Historic Preservation/Architectural History from Ball State University.

Early in his career Glenn worked for Summit County Social Services for 10 years where he developed and provided recreational activities and camping opportunities for underserved youth. Glenn was employed for 22 years by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office of the Ohio Historical Society (Ohio History Connections) where he served as Preservation Services Manager and Manager of Certified Local Government programs.

Glenn was also an adjunct faculty member in the History Department at Wright State University where he taught architectural history courses. He was a contributing author to more than 25 historic publications and over 40 historic presentations/projects including Canal Fever: The Ohio and Erie Canal from Waterway to Canal Way, Barns of the Midwest and the two-volume book The National Road.

He was most proud of his work to promote and protect the National Road. In 1994 he secured funding, directed the first comprehensive historic property inventory of the Road, co-founded the National Road Alliance and guided the National Road's designation as an All-American Road National Scenic Byway. In recognition of his many years of leadership in promoting and protecting the Historic National Road, the Ohio National Road Association established the Glenn A. Harper Endowment for the Preservation on the Ohio Historic National Road.

Glenn loved to hike, bike, canoe, camp and garden. He especially enjoyed camping and hiking with his nieces Lindsay and Erin since they were babies. He was very proud of hiking and/or biking in all 50 states plus 20 foreign counties with his wife Carole. In 2024, he and his wife completed hiking Ohio's 88 counties with long-time friends Peg and Rob.

Glenn was a sweet, gentle, kind person who willingly shared his love of history and architecture. His family and friends cherished having their own personal architectural and historic tour guide whenever they traveled together.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents Gordon and Evelyn Harper and sister-in-law Ruthann Cummins.

Glenn is survived by his loving wife of over 46 years, Carole Endres; brothers Bob Harper (Carol) and Tom Harper (Carla); sister Nancy Hurd (Lew); sisters-in-law Emily Shea (Mike), Mary Jo Grap (Terry); brothers-in-law Mark (Kay) Endres and Jim Cummins; and many special nieces, nephews and friends.

Remember Glenn's motto: "No matter what happens in life ... there will always be pie".

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations in Glenn Harper's name may be made to the following:

Glenn A Harper Endowment Fund for Preservation on the National Road

Springfield Foundation

333 N Limestone St #201, Springfield, OH 45503

https://www.springfieldfoundation.org

Ohio Hospice of Dayton

324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, OH 45420

https://www.ohioshospice.org/dayton