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Roll Call Tribute

John Harper '50 January 22, 2015 4:05 PM

(Published in) Corsicana Daily Sun (on) December 11, 2014

Dr. John Harper

Dr. John L. Harper, 91, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on Dec. 10, 2014.

He was born in Fort Worth on Aug. 8, 1923, to Lorenzie and Pauline Harper. John grew up on the family farm in Kennedale where he learned to love and care for animals.

John was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Nolte Harper, and his wife, Jeanne Cox Harper. He is survived by his children, Fredericka (Ricki) Driffill and her husband Jim of Helotes, Texas; and his son, John L. Harper III and his wife Denise of Corsicana. He is also survived by his four grandchildren and their spouses, Sarah and Luke Mackay, Matthew and Lisa Driffill, Caroline and Fred Knapp and Walt and Hillary Harper. He had six great grandchildren that he adored.

John went to Fort Worth's Polytechnic High School where he met his future wife, Jeanne. After graduating from high school in 1941, he went on to North Texas Agricultural College in Arlington, pursuing studies in Aeronautical Engineering, then becoming a flight engineer for American Airlines. During World War II, John's fleet was drafted to fly for the United States Army Air Transport Command based out of La Guardia field, taking him all over the world.

He married the love of his life, Jeanne, on June 18, 1945, and they were devoted to each other for the next 66 years. Together, they built a home, a family and a legacy of love that will be passed down for generations. After the war, the couple moved back to Texas to resume John's education. They moved to College Station, where he graduated in 1950 from Texas A&M with a BS in Animal Husbandry. He was accepted into A&M’s Veterinary School and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in May of 1952. The couple and their 3-month-old daughter, Ricki, moved to Corsicana that June, where he began practicing veterinary medicine. Several years later, John and J.D. Carroll opened Carroll & Harper Animal Hospital on West Second Avenue, soon becoming the social hub of the local agriculture community. Dr. Harper primarily practiced small animal veterinary medicine, where he loyally served the community until he retired in 1999. He followed his calling and passion for education, serving on the Corsicana ISD School Board for nine years and giving his time to the youth of Navarro County and the Youth Expo for decades.

Dr. Harper was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for 62 years. He loved spending time at the family farm in Corbet, where he proudly passed down his passion for farming and ranching to his children and grandchildren. Among his other many interests were collecting arrowheads and historical artifacts, traveling, reading, and watching sports. After retiring from Carroll & Harper Animal Hospital, he devoted his time to faithfully caring for his son, Tommy, and wife, Jeanne, in the final years of their life, in addition to volunteering at the Corsicana Animal Shelter. Dr. Harper inspired many young people in the areas of agriculture and medicine, always stressing the value of education. He was a true philanthropist — a lover of people; most especially those that others discounted as unimportant. He was a treasured friend and mentor to so many, and he will be greatly missed.

Graveside service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, at Dresden Cemetery with the Rev. John Conley officiating. Pallbearers will be Dr. Ricky Rogers, Dr. Mack Boyd, Dr. James Price, Ronnie Wylie and Clayton Harris. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Ray Carroll, Rudy Carroll, Bill Bradford, Bill Meacham, Matt Dawson and Campbell Gillespie. The Celebration of Life Service for Dr. Harper will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

The family requests memorials be made to Westminster Presbyterian Child & Family at 312 N. 13th St. Corsicana, TX 75110 or The Navarro Country Youth Expo at 4021 W. Hwy 22, Corsicana, Texas 75110.

An online guest book is available at www.corleyfuneralhome.com and selecting the Dr. John L. Harper obituary.

Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home, Corsicana.


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