Joe Harper

Navy Pilot Lt. Commander W. (Wilbur) Joe Harper, 88, made his last and highest flight when he left this earth on the morning of December 13. Joe went to join the love of his life, Katherine Dane Harper – who predeceased him in 1998 – and their beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Geoffey.

Born in Austin in 1923, Joe was one of seven siblings, and is survived by his youngest sister, Jewell Margaret (Peggy) Kirby of Virginia. He was also preceded in death by his parents H. F. and Maggie Harper; wife Joyce Harper Cook; step-daughters Janet Marshall and Carol Bilheimer (who was his loving, dedicated chef in later years).

Joe leaves behind daughters Lynda Ragsdale of Houston and Lisha Finley (husband Steve) of Arizona, as well as step-daughters Donna Cummings of Austin, Johnnie Lu Zarecor of Virginia and a loving abundance of grandchildren: Kathie Coutu (husband Jim), Julie Davis (husband John), Krista Sprayberry (husband Eric), L. M. Cummings (wife Sharon), Kelly Milberger (husband Mike), Lance Cummings, the Marshalls - Jay, Clay and Dana, and Shannon Province. He was also blessed with (best count) 18 great grandchildren, a smattering of great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Joe left UT and his earlier interests in drafting (he couldn't stand being confined to a desk) to serve as a page in the Texas Legislature. No political secrets were revealed. But he found his second love in the Navy – in the cockpit of a fighter jet…ultimately to become the flight instructor for pilots going into battle. His many tales of that best-time-of-his-life include earning the nickname "laughing boy" – no joke could be told until he was present. No matter how bad the joke, it would be met by his big, hearty laugh.

Joe told, but probably wouldn't want mentioned, stories about the Navy flyboys' runs to Cuba, returning with many bottles of rum hidden in the planes' wings. He also won't like this revealed, but he got in a bit of a jam for flying way too low and barrel-rolling over the tourist cottages owned by his first in-laws. But in the end, his unmatched flying skills earned him a reprieve from his superior officers.

After retirement from the Navy, he went on to become a very successful pharmaceutical rep for what was then SKF. He didn't care for the fact that the family lovingly called him a pill peddler.

Joe had an innate talent for designing houses – planning the homes he and Katie lived in on Lookout Mountain and Oak View in Austin. He was proud of this…and even with Alzheimer's closing in, he would often tease, "I wonder who designed this house…must have been somebody pretty smart." And I would tease back, "Yes, I wonder who it might have been?" He would get the joke and break out into "laughing boy" chuckles.

In his last years, Alzheimer's began robbing Joe of many things – but his often goofy sense of humor, readiness to laugh and increasingly mellow spirit were there for those who loved him to cherish for all time.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to his loyal, loving caregivers, especially Shelly, Reyna and Michele, who treated Joe with so much genuine love and respect in difficult times. They are treasures.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 17 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home at 3125 North Lamar Blvd., with viewing and visitation starting at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Joe's family knows he would prefer any memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association. We pray for a cure.

From John Gillespie Magee, Jr.'s High Flight:

"And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."