Roger H. Harper

RADM Roger H. Harper, USNR (Ret) was born Roger Austin Witherbee on July 10, 1918 in New York, NY and passed away peacefully on March 12, 2003 at home on his beloved Harper Longhorn Ranch near Bergheim, TX after a brief illness. He was a very young and vigorous 84 years of age. Roger was preceded in death by his birth parents, Rose Schneider Witherbee and Austin Witherbee and his putative parents, Winfred and Lawson Harper. Roger received his A.B. Degree in 1939 from New York University, NY and his L.L.B. in 1942 from New York University School of Law. Roger enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April 1942. During World War II, he served aboard the destroyer, USS Conway, battleships USS Texas, USS New York, USS Arkansas, USS Nevada, USS Iowa and the cruiser USS Marblehead. He served as Flag Lt. On Staff of Commander, Battleships Atlantic Fleet, Atlantic and Mediterranean Waters, participating in North African Invasion (Casablanca Area), Normandy Invasion (Omaha Beach), Battle of Cherbourg and Invasion of Southern France. In November 1945, he was released to inactive duty and decorated with the Secretary of the Navy Commendation Ribbon w/battle star. In October 1950, Roger was recalled to active duty and served in Japan and Korea on Staff of Commander Naval Forces Far East (Vice Admiral C. Turner Joy) as Assistant Legal Officer, Admiralty Officer, Court-martial defense Counsel and Trial Counsel. He was again decorated and presented with his second Secretary of the Navy Commendation Medal. He also received numerous other medals, ribbons, and commendations for service rendered. Roger was transferred to the Third Naval District (New York) in 1952 and served as 3ND Tort Claims Officer. From 1952 to 1954 he was Law officer on 3ND General Court Martial (function equivalent to federal district court judge in criminal cases). While at New York, Roger wrote Navy correspondence course in Military Law - presently in Navy world-wide usage. He also taught Military Justice 48 nights per year at Naval Reserve Officers School, Stanford, CT, 1955-58. Roger served as Commanding Officer, USNR Composite Company, Scarsdale, NY in 1962 NRCC 3-25). On October 2, 1944, Roger was married to Dorothea Burton of Jamaica Plain, MA, a Navy WAVE Officer. Children born of the marriage are Judy W. Harper of Arvada, CO, James B. Harper of Naples, FL, Richard J. Harper (deceased), Mary Therese Rooney of Ladson, South Carolina, John F.X. Harper of Pensacola, FL, Roger H. Harper, Jr. of Bumpass, VA, Christine M. Harper of Midlothian, VA, Elizabeth Ann Steinnecker of Pensacola, FL, Stephen M. Harper of Vero Beach, FL, and Thomas G. Harper of North Charleston, SC. He was blessed with numerous grandchildren and one great-grandson, John J. Huffman of Troutville, VA. Roger is also survived by his devoted wife, Marcia, of 13 years. They were soulmates and enjoyed a rich life together including extensive traveling. They especially enjoyed traveling to UT Longhorn Baseball and Football sporting events and tailgating with their friends. Another one of their favorite activities was dancing to Big Band music and they actively enjoyed their membership in the Plaza Club of San Antonio and the University of Texas Club in Austin. Additional survivors include mother-in-law, Maurine Voyles of San Antonio; brother-in-law, Jerry Voyles of San Antonio; stepson, Jeff Waggener of San Antonio; and stepdaughter, Katherine Lamb of Plano, TX. Another facet of Roger's life included wide political experience. Several of the many positions and offices he held were Republican Caucus Chairman, Campaign Manager in 11 campaigns, President of Pompano Beach-North Broward Republican Club 1964-65, State Attorney of Broward County (Ft. Lauderdale, FL). Roger was Commander, Mamaroneck New York, American Legion Post 1949 (Post Judge Advocate 1954-62). He organized Tokyo, Japan, American Legion Post (during Korean War) and hosted National Commander Earl Cocke at inaugural. Some of his numerous community contributions included Chairman, Mamaroneck New York Community Chest Campaign 1954, President, Mamaroneck Lions Club 1959, Secretary, Counsel and Director of Mamaroneck New York Chamber of Commerce, 1954-62, Pampano Beach, FL, Power Squadron Legal Officer, Chairman, Seamanship Course. In addition, Roger was active in the Boy Scouts of America. He was Scoutmaster and Assistant District Commissioner of Rockland County Council, New York. This energetic and creative man also started, owned and managed numerous businesses and operations including Harpers' Bazaar Gift Shop, Anchor Mechanical, Good Time Racing Stables, and an acupuncture clinic. He spent many happy hours with his children on his own boat fishing in the Florida gulfstream and flying his own much loved Debonair Airplane. Roger had remarkable musical talents. He played many instruments but excelled on the drums. He was the only drum student the legendary Gene Krupa ever accepted. Roger recorded "Sing, Sing, Sing" with the Miller Band, performing the challenging drum solo expertly. He also had his own 10 piece band for several years while in law school. Roger always had a seemingly endless supply of jokes and funny stories on virtually every topic that he loved to share with delighted family members, friends and associates. He was a very fun-loving, caring, committed, productive, industrious and giving man who will be deeply missed by his loved ones. A Memorial Service will be held at the Harper Longhorn Ranch, 249 Hwy 3351 South, Boerne, TX, near Bergheim at 4:00 P.M. Saturday, April 5, 2003. Navy Funeral Honors will be observed. Afterwards, there will be a reception to celebrate his life. Friends and family are invited to attend. There will also be a Service at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. To leave a message or tribute for the family, please visit www.vaughanfuneralhome.com and select the obituary icon. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Vaughan's Funeral Home of Boerne.