Gene Harper

Gene Edward Harper was born in Buffalo, Oklahoma, January 18, 1938, to Arthur Frances “Buck” Harper and Frances Barbara Prophet. Gene grew up in Buffalo where he lived most of his life. He attended Buffalo High School where he excelled in sports and was an all-around athlete, enjoying baseball and football the most. On July 22, 1956, Gene and Gayle Maxine (Judy) Crowl eloped to Arnett , Oklahoma , and were married by Minister O.E. Weeks, a friend of the family. To this union two children were born, Greg and Patti. Gene was drafted in the United States Army in 1960 and for two years served as a Medical Corpsman, followed by four years in the reserves. He attained the rank of Tech Sergeant and received a Good Conduct Medal, Expert Badge (Carbine) and Expert Badge (Rifle M1). Upon honorable discharge from the military, Gene returned to Buffalo where he went to work with his Uncle Sterling and Uncle Glen as a carpenter, building many homes in the community, including his family home. He then went into the restaurant business with his parents. In 1978 Gene and Les became co-owners of the café and operated it together for 21 years. Shortly after the 50 ^th Anniversary of “Harper’s Café”, Gene and Les sold the business and retired. Gene departed this life on Saturday, February 13, 2010. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Fran Harper, in addition to brother Buster Harper and sister Peggy Harper, both of whom died at a young age. Gene is survived by his wife Judy of Buffalo, Oklahoma; daughter Patti Harper of Weatherford, Oklahoma; son Greg Harper and wife Susan; brother Les Harper; sister Pat Lauer-Stinson, all of Buffalo; four grandchildren: Larissa Lillard, stationed in Germany; Lacey Lillard of Edmond, Oklahoma; Sara Jones and Shilo Harper of Buffalo; and numerous other relatives including nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Services were held at 2:00PM Tuesday, February 16, 2010, at the First Baptist Church , Buffalo , Oklahoma , with Pastor Jerry Hodges officiating and Kathleen Hughes playing the piano. Prior to the music by Ms. Hughes, prerecorded piano music was provided by daughter, Patti Harper. Special music selections included “Precious Memories” and “Green Green Grass of Home”. Casket bearers: nephews Brad Baker, Gary “Scooter” Coker; grand-nephews: Ike Lauer, K.W. Lauer, Nick Lauer, Sonny Lauer and Jesse Young. Honorary casket bearers: Harley Brown, Curt Buss, Joe Cheap, Davy Crowl, Mike Crowl, Gary “Slap” Coker, Tom Forbes, C.A. Lauer, Keith Lauer, Rob Lauer, Tom McEachern, Richard Percival. Miles Smith, and Maynard Inderlied. In lieu of flowers, memorial suggestions are Buffalo Alumni Association (c/o Wilkinson Funeral Service P.O. Box 302 Buffalo , Ok 73834) or charity of choice. Wilkinson Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements. On-Line condolence to family through www.wilkinsonfuneralservice.com