Gary Arnold Harper

Gary A. Harper, 88, of Edgewood, TX, passed away January 24, 2022, at his home. He was born on November 13, 1933, in Dallas, TX, to the late Warner A. Harper and Jewel Fincher Harper. He was raised in Dallas where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. Gary joined the Texas National Guard at the age of fifteen and at the age eighteen he joined the United States Navy as a sonar operator. He received a National Defense Service Ribbon, Korean Service Medal and also a UN Service Medal before being honorably discharged at twenty-two years old. Gary went to work for his father’s business, Harper Printing, after leaving the Navy. He attended Abilene Christian University and received a Bachelor’s degree. Gary married his first wife, Maxine and they raised three children. He started his career as a firefighter on December 16, 1958, with the Dallas Fire Department and retired on January 5, 1989, from the 8th District as Battalion Chief. Gary later met and married Carrie (McClain) King in Tool, TX, on August 23, 1980, and they made their home in Edgewood in 1986. He enjoyed traveling in his RV, riding motorcycles and loved to go fishing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Warner A. and Jewel Harper; nephew, Colin Harper.

Gary is survived by his wife, Carrie Harper of Edgewood, TX; sons, Greg Harper and wife, Pam of Rockwall, TX, Scott Harper and wife, Donna of Arkansas, Todd A. King and wife, Renee of Frisco, TX, and Paul D. King and wife, Margee of Frisco, TX; daughters, Marilyn McKay of Sunnyvale, TX, and Beverly A. Cook and husband, Scott of Prosper, TX; brother, Dub Harper and wife, Sandra of Desoto, TX; seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Memorial services are scheduled for 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at New Journey Church of God in Edgewood.  

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