Robert Kelsie Harper was born August 1, 1934, in Weleetka, Oklahoma, to Russell Barrett and Verna M. (Durbin) Harper. He died Wednesday, December 25, 2013, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 79 years. Robert was a proud veteran of the armed forces and served honorably with the United States Navy during the Korean War 1954-1958. He was married April 12, 1959, in Durant, Oklahoma, to Helen Louise Dicus. They made their home in Owasso in 1972 before moving to the Oologah-Talala area. Robert spent most of his working life as a custodial supervisor with Owasso Public Schools. He had served as a volunteer with the Corps of Engineers at Oologah Lake. He enjoyed a variety of pastimes including fishing and hunting, especially raccoons, rabbits and squirrels. He enjoyed watching his favorite football teams and was an avid Dallas Cowboy and Oklahoma Sooner fan.
Loving family members include:
His wife of over 54 years; Helen, of the home
Four daughters;
Donna Dirickson and her husband Danny, of Oologah, OK
Robby Watson, of Sperry, OK
Freda Towe and her husband Jim, of Hallett, OK
Carol Kleck and her husband Tim, of Wichita Falls, Texas
Two sons;
Chris Harper and Mckayla, of Ramona, OK
Robert Barrett Harper, of Oologah, OK
11 Grandchildren;
Cidney Dirickson
Stacey Vang and her husband Ali
Clifton Watson and his wife Melissa
Ryan Watson
Ruby Simmons
Aaron Reamy
Angel Wainwright and her husband J.B.
April Cooper
Kyler Harper
Kelsie Harper
Layne Harper
Six great grandchildren;
Brittany Watson
Kalynn Watson
Austin Simmons
Lillie Simmons
Ollie Wainwright
Kaezley Harper
Twin sister; Roberta Barsh and her husband Raymond, of Tulsa
Brother; Walter Harper and his wife Dana, of Midlothian, Texas
And a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his mother Verna M. Harper and father Russell B. Harper, a sister Ruby Ihrig, granddaughter Terry Sue Dirickson, and son-in-law, Tom Watson.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, December 30, 2013, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2013, at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso.
www.moweryfs.com
