Cecil Harper

Cecil Harper, son of Joe G. Harper and Minnie (Casey) Harper, was born April 19, 1912 in Tunnel Hill, Illinois. He departed this life Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, Illinois. At the time of his passing, Cecil had attained the age of 95 years 10 months and 4 days. Cecil was united in marriage to Mildred Murphy on August 12, 1933. The two shared over 74 years together. Cecil is survived by his wife, Mildred of Vienna; his sons and daughters-in-law, Bob & Mary Harper of Tunnel Hill and Dean & Kathy Harper of Tunnel Hill; three grandchildren, Kathy Stevens & husband Jerry of Tunnel Hill, Kelly Harper & wife Shelia of Vienna and Robin Harper-Whitehead and husband Mike of Tunnel Hill; Heather Harper Treat preceded him in death in 1994; seven great-grandchildren, Jerrah Henson & husband Jason of Marion, Kyle Stevens of Carbondale, Kelsey Harper, Keeley Harper, Kelby ƒ?oLittle Bobƒ?? Harper all of Vienna, McKenzie Whitehead and Brody Whitehead both of Tunnel Hill; a brother, Norman Harper and wife Helen of Vienna, sisters-in-law, Ruth Harper of Tunnel Hill and Betty Harper of Vienna; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. In addition to his parents and a granddaughter, Cecil was preceded in death by; three brothers, Fred Harper, Joe W. Harper, and Loree Harper; four sisters, Opal Noonan, Jewell Cook, Ruby Reynolds, and Mary Lois Emery. Cecil lived a long and happy life. He was involved in the produce business in Southern Illinois for many years. He served as County Clerk and Commissioner of Johnson County and also worked at the Anna State Hospital. Prior to and following his retirement Cecil began selling camper tops, and then selling cars with his son Bob and grandson Kelly Harper. Cecil was a life-long and active member of the Reynoldsburg Church and a member of the New Burnside Masonic Lodge #772 for 55 years. Cecil lived an active and full life. He enjoyed visiting with his family and friends. He will be remembered and missed by many. Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning, February 27, 2008, at 11 AM at Reynoldsburg Church, near Tunnel Hill, IL. Rev. David Nelson will officiate. The body will lie-in-state from 10 AM - 11 AM at the church Wednesday. Burial will be in the Reynoldsburg Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 PM ƒ?" 8 PM Tuesday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Masonic rites will be conducted at 8 PM Tuesday under the auspices of New Burnside Masonic Lodge # 772 AF&AM. Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Cancer Fund, PO Box 98, Vienna, IL 62995 or to the Reynoldsburg Cemetery Fund, c/o Bob Harper, 30 Harpertown Lane, Tunnel Hill, IL 62972.

Cecil Harper

April 19, 1912 - February 23, 2008