Sad News

Homer Hugh Harper, age 83, died Friday, December 8, 2006 at the Village of Heritage in Monroeville, Indiana. He was the third generation owner of the E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, New Haven’s oldest business and one of the oldest businesses in Allen County under the continuous direction of a single family. The funeral home, established in 1889, is now under the fourth generation of Harper family ownership.

Born March 11, 1923, Homer was the son of Emmet and Fannie Harper, and the grandson of the funeral home’s founder, Edward Harper. He also served the community and the eastern half of the county with dedicated amublance services for many years.

A lifelong resident of New Haven, he was a U.S. Navy veteran of WW II and a member of New Haven American Legion Post 330. He was a member the New Haven United Methodist Church, and a charter and 50-year member of the New Haven Lions Club. He enjoyed history, especially local and Civil War history, and playing bridge.

He served 35 years on the New Haven Board of Zoning Appeals and was a director of the Mary C. and Perry F. Spencer Charitable Foundation. He was a member of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association and the Independent Funeral Directors of Indiana.

He is survived by children: Kristine Bowers of Johnson City, TN, Greg (Janel) Harper of New Haven, Lisa (Tom) Davis of Grangeville, ID, Mitchell (Dawn Wilson) Harper of Fort Wayne; Grandchildren: Aaron (Cathy) Tropmann, Ethan Harper, Alexandra and Georgia Bowers; great grandson; Jack Tropmann; brother: Stanley J. (Cindy) Harper of Syracuse, IN.

He was preceded in death by Erna Van Hoek, his wife of 39 years in 1987. He was also preceded in death by his brothers: George, James Keith, Bruce, and sister, Mary Elaine Rickard.

Calling hours are from 1:00 to 9:00 P.M. Tuesday at the E. Harper & Son Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM on Wednesday at the E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 Indiana Highway 930, New Haven, with calling one hour prior to service. Calling also from 1-9 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.