George Robert "Bob" Harper

San Angelo, Texas - George Robert (Bob) Harper, 80, passed from this life on Saturday, May 26, 2012 in San Angelo, Texas.

Bob was born to George C. and Lizzie Basham Harper on April 1, 1932, in Brownwood, Texas. His natural mother died at his birth and he was adopted by his natural aunt and uncle Bland E. and Anna D. Harper. He married Sammye Lee Jenkins Harper in 1966 and she preceded him in death in 1989. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Bland E., Jr.; Joe C.; Ben; and Audrey Harper. He is survived by his wife, Polly Lawhon Harper of San Angelo, Texas and his son, Glen Robert, and his wife, Eszter Szontagh Harper, and his grandchildren, Mark Benjamin and Anna Julia of Plano, Texas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Brownwood public schools in 1949 and Texas A&M College in 1953. He received a B.S. in Agricultural Administration and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the US Army Reserve. Bob served three years on active duty, serving in various army posts including Keflavic, Iceland for 13 months with the 2nd Battalion Combat Team. He served twenty-seven years in reserve status, retiring in 1994 as a Brigadier General. He was a qualified jump master, senior jumper, and Army Ranger. (Hoo-Rah!) His military education included: Basic Infantry Officer's Course, Airborne and Rangers Schools at Ft. Benning, GA; the Armor Career Course at Ft. Knox, KY; The Command and Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS; and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, USAR School in Houston, TX. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his years of service after retirement.

Bob spent his business career in the insurance claims business, working as an independent adjuster for several insurance companies. He was a registered Professional Adjuster, retiring as VP of Claims, KM Insurance Company, Dallas, TX.

He served as president of the National Guard Association of Texas; The Odessa and San Angelo A&M Clubs; San Angelo Rotary West Club, and the Permian Basin Claims Association. He was Senior-Warden at St. John's Episcopal Church in Columbus, TX; Senior Warden at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, in Universal City, TX; and a vestry member at St. John's Episcopal Church in Odessa, TX.

Bob wishes to thank the Brooks, Landgraf, Love, Meyer, and Witherspoon families for receiving him with love and friendship. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church with Reverends Bob Hedges and William Wright officiating. Memorials may be sent either towards research in cancer, research in autism, or the charity of your choice.

Honorary pallbearers will be Nick Harper, Mark Fair, Richard Witherspoon, John Landgraf, Wert (Chip) Love IV, Robert Meyer, Conoly Brooks III, John Parsons, Don Jordan, Billy Jack Hollis, and his friends in the A&M Club.

Through Jesus Christ all sins are forgiven and Bob Harper died in the Christian faith.

Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.