Jerry Dean Harper

Jerry Dean Harper, 78, of Tyler, Texas, left this earth for his heavenly home on May 12, 2025, following a lengthy illness. He was born, December 30, 1946, in Oak Grove, Louisiana to Milfred and Laura Bell Smith Harper.

Jerry graduated from Bastrop High School in Bastrop, Louisiana in 1964, and attended Nichols University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1966, and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, completing his service in Wichita, Kansas as a SSGT. He continued his education and graduated from Northeast Louisiana University (ULM). Jerry was a police officer for several years in Monroe, Louisiana before becoming a Drilling Fluids Engineer in the oil industry in the Gulf Coast region and overseas, and in the uranium industry in the Rocky Mountain States.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Milfred C. Harper; mother, Laura Bell Smith Harper; brother Mike Harper; and sister, Mary Jo Harper Oliver, all of Bastrop, Louisiana.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sally Mears Harper; daughter, Hope Harper Karr and husband, Stan; grandchildren, Tyler Evans and fiancé’, Megan Pylant; and Allison Evans Maitre and husband, Henry; great-grandson, Kasyn Evans; brother, Bill R. Harper; sisters, Peggy Day and Glenda Bixler; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jerry was a loving husband, father, and Big Papaw. He was known for his laughter, kindness, compassion, and generosity.

A Celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler, Texas.