The Coldwater community was a shocked last Saturday when it was learned that Harold Harper, one of the community's best liked farmers, had died in a Dodge City hospital.Harold was working on a combine Thursday afternoon with a neighbor, Howard Young, when he collapsed, falling to the ground on his face. Mr. Young rushed Harold to a hospital in Coldwater and the next morning he was taken to St. Anthony's hospital in Dodge City, where he passed away at 9 a.m. on Saturday. His death is attributed to the rupture of either ulcers or a growth in his stomach.
Mr. Harper had appeared to be in normal health and his death was wholly unexpected.
Funeral services were held in the Methodist church in this city Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and were in charge of the pastor, Rev. Major W. Parker. Mr. and Mrs. Gurney T. Hadley sang "Will The Circle be Unbroken?" "When We Meet at Jesus' Feet" and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere," accompanied by Mrs. Wm. Brumbaugh. There were many floral offerings.
Burial was in Crown Hill cemetery. The active pall bearers were Frank Schenk, Arthur Hough, Sam Crouse, Asa Hoofer, Howard Young and Bert Klingensmith. The honorary pall bearers were Jack Cary, Raymond Parcel, Victor Gates, John Pepperd, Jay Pounds and Dale Merk.
Obituary. Harold Eugene Harper, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Harper, was born in Sullivan County, Missouri, January 29, 1899, and passed away January 6, 1945, at St. Anthony's hospital in Dodge City, Kansas.
He came with his family to prove up a claim in Beaver county, Okla., and later when he was 12 years of age, the family moved to Norwich, Kansas.
In February 1913 the Harpers moved to Coldwater, Kansas, where the rest of his life has been spent. Harold attended the Coldwater public schools taking an active part in all school affairs. While in town he always attended the Methodist church.
On October 12th, 1929, he was united in marriage with Miss Georgia May Ennis. To this union were born three daughters - Carol Ann, age 13, Julia May, age 11, and Lela Eunice, who passed away at the age of eight months and eight days.
There is left to mourn his death his wife and two daughters, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Harper, one sister, Mrs. Opal Marquand of Medicine Lodge, Kansas, one brother, Merrel Harper, and one niece, Melba Marquand, several aunts, uncles and cousins and many neighbors and friends.
Harold was a loving husband, on and father, always thinking of the welfare of others, meeting the obstacles of life and overcoming them with a smile. He was a good neighbor who will be missed in the community.
The Western Star, March 7, 1947. COLDWATER COUPLE MARRIED BY PROBATE JUDGE
Thomas J. Bird and Mrs. Georgia Harper of this city were united in marriage Tuesday evening, March 4, by probate Judge Earl Martin. The ceremony was witnessed by Mrs. Martin and daughter, Jackie.
Mrs. Bird is well know here and is a deserving and respected woman. Mr. Bird has been a resident of Coldwater about two years, being a trusted employee of the Stanolind Oil Co., and a member of their core drilling crews. The company is moving this week to another location.
Mr. and Mrs. Bird left on Wednesday for Minneapolis, Kans., where the groom will continue his work with Stanolind.
Their friends here wish them many happy years of happiness and success.
Mary Sophia (Jenkins) Harper, mother of Harold E. Harper.
Harpers Celebrate Golden Wedding Anniversary, The Western Star, March 7, 1947.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news articles to this web site!
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