MSG (Ret) David Wayne Harper

MSG (Ret) David Wayne Harper, son of the late Aaron and Sophie (Gillis) Harper, was born June 14, 1953 in Burbank, California. Due to his father being in the military, David grew up in many different places, but he eventually came back to the Waynesville area (which he considered home) in 1981. At the age of 17, David entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement after 20 years of service. He had attained the rank of Master Sergeant and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal – 6th Award, National Defense Service Medal – 2nd Award, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon – 3rd Award, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon – 2nd Award, and Expert Qualification Badge M-16 Rifle. On June 6, 1983, David was united in marriage to Ginny Lynn Smith in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared over 30 years of marriage together and five children: Davy, Danny, Doug, Terri and Renae. David was a hardworking person. After retiring from the military, he worked as an over the road truck driver for 10 years and then did construction work for 12 years. In his spare time, David loved being outdoors while fishing, camping and tending to his yard and garden. He enjoyed playing a friendly game of poker, watching westerns and building things. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family, especially playing with the grandkids. David passed away Sunday, November 10, 2013 in his home having attained the age of 60 years. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. David leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Ginny Harper of the home; five children: Davy and wife Janie of Sedalia, MO, Danny and wife Kim of Jefferson City, MO, Doug and wife Sabrina of Richland, MO, Terri and husband Michael of Hanover, MD and Renae and husband Ryan of Laquey, MO; three brothers: George and wife Deed of the state of Illinois, Richard and wife Pat of Waynesville and John and wife T.J. of Waynesville; two sisters: Florence and husband Bob Jackson of Waynesville and Kay and husband Bob Swift of Waynesville; sixteen grandchildren: Raegan, Kennedy, Zoe, Rowan, Meagan, Clint, Mackenzie, Garrett, Tyler, Clayton, Christopher, Nikki, Heather, Katie, Remington and Rylie; three great grandchildren: Chloe, Alyssa and Violet; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Graveside with military honors was held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2013 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood. Arrangements were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of David Harper and may be left at the funeral home.

MSG (Ret) David Wayne Harper

June 14, 1953 - November 10, 2013