Charles Donald Harper

Charles Donald Harper was born Saturday, February 13, 1943, at the family home in Huzzah,MO to Donald Arthur Harper and Dorothy Leona (Adams) Harper. He entered eternal life Friday, October 10, 2025 at Steelville Senior Living, Steelville, MO surrounded by family at the age of 82 years, 7 months and 27 days.
On July 21, 1962 at Berryman Assembly of God, Berryman, MO, Charles was united in marriage to Barbara Davis and to this union two daughters and one son were born. Ministering through song in church brought them much joy. Traveling throughout the United States brought many happy memories. A family favorite was trips to visit cousins in Wyoming. They enjoyed 35 years together before her passing on July 19, 1997.
At Midland Pentecostal Assembly, Steelville, MO, he married Donna Kay (Blanton) Davis on January 2, 1998. This union gave Charles bonus children of one son and two daughters. When he retired, they enjoyed a few years of traveling in the States and abroad. They were happily married until her death on November 30, 2019.
After two years, Charles chose Donna Marie (Steen) Turnbough to be his bride. They exchanged vows at Berryman Assembly of God, Berryman, MO on Saturday, November 6, 2021. This marriage also added a son and two daughters, several grandchildren and great grandchildren. They enjoyed three years together until she passed on March 2, 2025.
Charles was also preceded in death by an infant sister, his parents, parents-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, a son-in-law, and a great grandson.
Having a deep love and devotion to Jesus, he lived his life according to the Word of God and it bore much fruit. He graduated from Cherryville High School, Cherryville, MO in 1960 and had various jobs in the area. In 1965, he began a 33-year career at Chrysler in Fenton, MO. Starting on the production line, he later began to train during the annual model change as a pipefitter. He continued until he became a journeyman until his retirement in September, 1998.
An avid hunter, Charles' small game and quail hunting turned to elk. With his cousin and life-long friend, Richard (Rich) Garrison, as his hunting guide, he spent many enjoyable fall vacations in Sheridan, Wyoming.
He was a driving force in many building projects at the churches he attended. When he saw a need, he acted on it never wanting recognition. Whether mowing a cemetery, sending money to widows, cutting wood for the sick or elderly, to making sure repairs were made and that God's House was in top condition. That was who he was. He had a heart to give and did so generously.
This also included the care of his wives. He tirelessly worked to give them the best support during their individual illnesses. He lived out his wedding vows wholeheartedly with love.
He enjoyed woodworking. He spent hours making gifts for family and friends from picture frames to wishing wells and bookshelves or any props needed for the church Christmas programs.
Those left to celebrate his life are his children, Stephen Charles (fiancé, Sue) Harper of Granite City, IL, Regina Slovensky and Rita Harper both of Steelville, bonus children, Michael (Miranda) Davis, Rebecca (Chad) Barton and Erin (Robert) Harmon all of Steelville, Margie (Jeff) Tessaro, Mindy (Kent) Bassett and Corinne Chambers; 29 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; brother, Lonnie (Jean) Harper of Bourbon, MO and sister, Linda Pope of Steelville; and sister-in-law, Darlene Turner of Rolla, MO; other relatives; and many friends.
He never stood behind a pulpit to preach a sermon, but he did it every day with his life.
The Family received friends from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, October 13, 2025 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. Special music of "Sounds Like Home" was sung by Ella Joe Bishop and Dave Bishop with Dave on banjo and Tracey Brawley on piano with Bob Coleman on guitar. Other music of "Almost Home", "How Great Thou Art" and "Moving" was also played. Memories were shared by grandson, Jonathan Harper.
Committal prayer and interment were in the Steelville Cemetery.
Honored to be casket bearers were Jonathan Harper, Ethan Harper, Jonathan Barton, Andrew Slovensky, Scott Barton and Cyrus Slovensky with Dalton Harmon as honorary.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Charles' names may be given to Steelville Cemetery, P.O. Box 33, Steelville, MO 65565 or Paralyzed Veterans of American, P.O. 758532, Topeka, KS 66675-9910
The Harper Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home.
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