Kenneth U. Harper

Born on January 26, 1927, in Democrat, Texas, to Johnny and Delsey Harper, Kenneth Udell Harper passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at the age of 87. A World War II veteran, he and his wife Dell raised their sons, Johnnie and Joe in Lamesa, Texas, where Kenneth was a cotton farmer. His greatest pleasure in life was being a grandfather ("Father," as his grandchildren called him.) Favorite memories of his six grandchildren are being "mother goosed" at bedtime, being unlicensed drivers at the farm, and knowing that their most loyal fan was at every activity they participated in. He loved to fish and never missed an opportunity to visit with his many family members. After losing his wife of 51 years, Kenneth was again richly blessed by his marriage to Inez Hamm in 2001. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Inez Harper, of Robert Lee; son, Joe Harper and wife Pam of Midland; daughter-in-law, Jerita Harper of Midland; sister, Wanda Gray of Ballinger; brother, Melvin and wife Jan of Guadalajara, Mexico; grandchildren, Sid Harper and wife Wendy of Midland, Joe Dan Harper and wife Anne of Fredonia, New York, Kenny Harper and wife LaVonta of Midland, Molly Eggleston and husband Wes, Britt Harper and wife Cara of Seminole, and Jill Ramos and husband Ruben of Midland; and by 20 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dell; son, Johnnie; and sister, Mona Lee Green. The funeral for Kenneth will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 31, 2014, at the Robert Lee Baptist Church, followed by graveside services at 3:30 p.m. in Lamesa Memorial Park, in Lamesa, Texas. Pallbearers will be Sid, Joe Dan, Kenny and Britt Harper, Wes Eggleston and Ruben Ramos. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill, Doug, Sid and Ernest Burns and Richard Johnson. Services are under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.shafferpioneer.com.