George R. Harper

October 8, 2018

Harper, George Obituary

George R. Harper, 73, of Three Springs, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, at AristaCare at Woodland Park, Orbisonia, surrounded by family.

Born February 27, 1945, in Huntingdon, he was the son of the late Himes B. Harper and Anna Grace (Madden) Harper.  

George is survived by three children, Kevin G. Harper and wife, Amy, of Three Springs, Kris R. Harper and wife, Kristin, of Saline, MI, and Kelli D. Grissinger and husband, Richard, of Three Springs; and grandchildren, Ryan Harper, Katelyn Harper, Emma Harper, Kara Harper, Nicholas Harper, Trinity Grissinger, and Parker Grissinger.

He is also survived by two brothers, Harold E. Harper and wife, Lucy, and Charles E. “Moose” Harper and wife, Sharon, all of Three Springs, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Leslie Ann Harper.

He earned his diploma at Southern Huntingdon County High School, his undergraduate degree at Shippensburg University, and his Masters at Wisconsin State University – Superior.

Mr. Harper retired from the Southern Huntingdon County School District in 2004, teaching chemistry and physics at the high school for 36 years.  He always enjoyed reconnecting and sharing stories with former students wherever he went.  

George attended Grace United Methodist Church, Three Springs, where he served as Treasurer/Secretary for many years.  

He was known for his dedication to community organizations, including lifetime membership in the Three Springs Volunteer Fire Company, 50 years of service in the Three Springs Lions Club, and over 25 years in the Boy Scouts of America as Cubmaster, Webelos leader, and Scoutmaster, of Pack 271 and Troop 71, Three Springs.

He spent many years farming and raising beef cattle, with his brother Harold and their families, on the family farm which they purchased in 1974 after the passing of their grandfather, George E. Madden.  GEM Acres was designated a Century Farm in 1990, and is still owned and operated by the family today.

A celebration of George’s life will be held Friday, Oct. 12 at 2:00pm, at the Martin R. Brown Funeral Home, 565 Ridgley St., Orbisonia, with the Rev. Dr. Ken Grundon officiating.  Interment will be made in the Old School Baptist Cemetery, Three Springs. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6-8pm Thursday and from 1:00 pm until the hour of service on Friday.  

Special memorials will be conducted by the Three Springs Lions Club and the Three Springs Fire Company during the Thursday evening visitation beginning at 7:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, George requested that donations in his memory be made to Grace United Methodist Church at PO Box 344, Three Springs PA 17264, or the Three Springs Volunteer Fire Company at PO Box 271, Three Springs PA 17264.

George R. Harper, 73, of Three Springs, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, at AristaCare at Woodland Park, Orbisonia, surrounded by family.
Born February 27, 1945, in Huntingdon, he was the son of the late Himes B. Harper and Anna Grace (Madden) Harper.  
George is survived by three children, Kevin G. Harper and wife, Amy, of Three Springs, Kris R. Harper and wife, Kristin, of Saline, MI, and Kelli D. Grissinger and husband, Richard, of Three Springs; and grandchildren, Ryan Harper, Katelyn Harper, Emma Harper, Kara Harper, Nicholas Harper, Trinity Grissinger, and Parker Grissinger.
He is also survived by two brothers, Harold E. Harper and wife, Lucy, and Charles E. “Moose” Harper and wife, Sharon, all of Three Springs, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Leslie Ann Harper.
He earned his diploma at Southern Huntingdon County High School, his undergraduate degree at Shippensburg University, and his Masters at Wisconsin State University – Superior.
Mr. Harper retired from the Southern Huntingdon County School District in 2004, teaching chemistry and physics at the high school for 36 years.  He always enjoyed reconnecting and sharing stories with former students wherever he went.  
George attended Grace United Methodist Church, Three Springs, where he served as Treasurer/Secretary for many years.  
He was known for his dedication to community organizations, including lifetime membership in the Three Springs Volunteer Fire Company, 50 years of service in the Three Springs Lions Club, and over 25 years in the Boy Scouts of America as Cubmaster, Webelos leader, and Scoutmaster, of Pack 271 and Troop 71, Three Springs.
He spent many years farming and raising beef cattle, with his brother Harold and their families, on the family farm which they purchased in 1974after the passing of their grandfather, George E. Madden.  GEM Acres was designated a Century Farm in 1990, and is still owned and operated by the family today.
A celebration of George’s life will be held Friday, Oct. 12 at 2:00pm, at the Martin R. Brown Funeral Home, 565 Ridgley St., Orbisonia, with the Rev. Dr. Ken Grundon officiating.  Interment will be made in the Old School Baptist Cemetery, Three Springs. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6-8pm Thursday and from 1:00 pm until the hour of service on Friday. 
 
Special memorials will be conducted by the Three Springs Lions Club and the Three Springs Fire Company during the Thursday evening visitation beginning at 7:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, George requested that donations in his memory be made to Grace United Methodist Church at PO Box 344, Three Springs PA 17264, or the Three Springs Volunteer Fire Company at PO Box 271, Three Springs PA 17264.



Day:
Time:

What:
Venue:

Where:
October 11, 2018
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Calling Hours
Martin R. Brown Funeral Home

565 Ridgley Street
Orbisonia, PA 17243
Get Driving Directions

Day:
Time:

What:
Venue:

Where:
October 12, 2018
1:00 p.m.

Celebration of Life
Martin R. Brown Funeral Home

565 Ridgley Street
Orbisonia, PA 17243
Get Driving Directions

Day:

What:
Venue:

Where:
October 12, 2018

Interment
Old School Baptist Cemetery

Three Springs, PA


Share this Obituary: