Fred Harper

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Freddie "Fred" Leroy Harper, 81, of Galena, Kansas, passed from this life on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at his home.

Freddie was born on February 16, 1941 in Baxter Springs, KS, to the late Mary Alice and Raymond Harper. He grew up in Columbus, KS and graduated from Columbus High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. 

While in the U.S. Navy, he married Diane Andersen, together they had two sons, Raymond “Ray” and William “Bill”. Fred retired from the U.S Navy after 21 years of serving this great nation.

After retiring from the Navy, Fred returned home to Baxter Springs and soon moved to “Harper’s Rocky Top” in Galena, KS. He later married Danetta Wheeler on October 21, 1988 in Joplin, MO. With that marriage he gained a son, a daughter, a granddaughter, who he raised as a daughter and another granddaughter.

He graduated from NEO A&M College in Miami, OK and worked in maintenance at various long term care facilities before ultimately retiring from J.E. Patterson Plumbing, Joplin, MO.

After retirement, you could likely find him loving on his kids and grandkids, at a local fishing hole, hunting, feeding his birds, riding his tractor or lawn mower, listening to classic country or watching his favorite westerns with his beloved chihuahua, Jax. He was a proud member of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma.

Survivors include two sons, Ray (Sherrie) Harper, Galena, KS and Bill Harper, Galena KS. One “step”daughter, Shelly Gipson, Baxter Springs, KS. A granddaughter who he raised as a daughter, Danae (Shawn) Taylor, Riverton, KS. Grandchildren, Zachary “Zack” Harper, Galena, KS, Taylor Harper, Galena, KS; Hollie (Jarrod) Riley, Joplin MO and Emily Gipson, Joplin, MO. Four great-grandchildren, Lillie Riley, Lyla Harper, Zaidin Harper and Mason Riley. Additional survivors include one brother, Walter “Wayne” Harper, Washington and one sister, Mary Louise Barnett, Bolivar, MO as well as a host of other family and friends and his beloved Chihuahua, Jax. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Eva Harrold; and a “step”son, Ricky Gipson.

The family will receive friends on Monday, August 1, 2022, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Derfelt Funeral Home of Baxter. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Christpoint Church in Galena, KS. Cremation to follow. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com