Joseph Fabel Harps

Joseph Fabel Harps, 87, retired U.S. Army Colonel, of Chappells, S.C., died Thursday.

He was born on May 25, 1918, in Manchester, N.C., a son of the late George Allen and Sidney Hesley Harps.

He was a graduate of East Stroudsburg University, the Executive Program of the University of Chicago and the University of Chicago, where he received a master's in business administration.

As a career army officer, he was graduated from the Air Tactical School, the Ordnance School and the Command and General Staff College. His early service was as an ordnance officer at Morris Field, Columbia Army Base, V Air Service Area Command and the IX Troop Carrier Command.

During World War II, he participated in the Luzon, New Guinea and Philippine Liberation campaigns and commanded the 2112th Ordinance Battalion.

His other overseas tours of duty included a tour of duty in West Germany and two tours of duty in South Korea. Stateside, he served on the Department of the Army General Staff, the Eighth U.S. Army General Staff and as an Inspector General of the U.S. Army.

His awards and decorations included the Army General Staff Identification Badge and the Legion of Merit.

Col. Harps is survived by his wife, Popie Helen Harps of Chappells, S.C.; and a son, Joseph Patrick Harps, daughter-in-law, Ellenor McCaughrin Harps, a granddaughter, Sidney Hesley Harps, and a grandson, Patrick McCaughrin Harps, all of Alpharetta, Ga.; and many others who knew, admired and loved him.

Joseph was preceded in death by three sisters: Mrs. Mae Shuler, Mrs. Gladys McNeill and Mrs. Eugenia "Jean" Heller.

Graveside funeral services with full military honors will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, in the Kellersville Cemetery, Kellersville, with the Rev. Kathleen Ash-Flashner officiating. Burial will follow the services.