Stephens Tucker Harper

1949 - 2024

Stephens Tucker Harper
01/05/1949 - 09/04/2024
Stephens Tucker Harper passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Steve was born in Austin on January 5, 1949, to Barbara and Tom Harper, Jr. He spent his childhood enjoying the outdoors, riding his bike to play golf at Muny Golf Course, playing sports, and hunting with his family. After graduating from Austin High School, Steve went on to graduate from the University of Texas where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
In August of 1973, Steve married Eleanor Dill. They immediately moved to New York City, where Steve became one of just thirty trainees from all over the world selected for Chase Manhattan's prestigious Global Credit Training Program, under the leadership of David Rockefeller. Steve's banking career with Chase took him back to Texas, where he played a key role in establishing the International Department in Houston. In 1980, his career led him to Midland, Texas, where he joined the "old" First National Bank of Midland. In 1998, when oil prices were at historic lows, Steve chartered and was President of the newly formed First National Bank of Midland. His passion for banking was evident in the relationships he built with his customers, finding great fulfillment in helping others succeed. As CFO of Centripump, Steve took on his final business venture under the direction and friendship of John Stuard.
Throughout his years in Midland, Steve remained an active member of the community. He was a member and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church. He served as a board member of the March of Dimes and the Buffalo Trail Council of Boy Scouts and was President and board member of Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, Steve was a member of the Board of Trustees, the Executive Committee, and acted as Chairman of the Finance Committee of Midland Memorial Hospital.
Steve is survived by his wife of 51 years, Eleanor Harper; his daughter, Rebecca Reneau and her husband Dave, along with their children, Arden and Connor, of Dallas; his son, Scott Harper and his wife Jessica, along with their children, Anna Claire and Dawson, of Midland; his brother, Thomas Harper III of Houston; along with many nieces and nephews.
Steve's contagious smile and laugh were his trademarks. He found great comfort in his relationship with Christ, which he passed on to his children. We will miss his genuine heart and love for life.
Friends are invited to a memorial service celebrating Steve's life with the family at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 27, in the chapel of First Baptist Church, 2104 W. Louisiana Avenue in Midland. A reception will follow in the nearby chapel foyer.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Steve may be directed to the Redeemer Church of Midland at P.O. Box 8333, Midland, TX, 79708 or online at redeemermidland.org and Save Muny Golf Course in Austin online at themunyconservancy.com/donate.