Patrick Lane Harper

Patrick Lane “Ricky” Harper passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 22, 2022, with family by his side. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruby Genevieve Weaver and Melvin Lane Harper, as well as his sister Patricia Ann Stansberry. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Harper Rushing (Ron Rushing), Marie Harper, Sheri Harper, Jamie Harper, Stacy Harper and Chase Harper (Jenna Macias); his grandchildren Ethan White and Jace Harper; and his brother Leon Harper.

Ricky grew up in the East Houston suburb of Galena Park where he met the person who would become his lifelong best friend, Paul Walters. He dropped out of high school in 1965 and joined the Marine Corps. In January 1966, Ricky was deployed to Vietnam. When he received the orders, he was still 17 years old and too young for deployment with his platoon. Just days later, he was placed on a military aircraft and flown out of country. His birthday passed in flight making him the age of 18 when he landed in Vietnam, actually arriving ahead of his platoon who were transported by ocean. He would later become the youngest Sergeant in the Marine Corps, at the time.

He spent a year and 28 days in Vietnam before returning stateside to complete his military service. Soon after, he followed in his father’s footsteps of becoming a drilling rig operator. He quickly found his home with Malcolm Drilling, drilling foundation holes for some notable high-rise buildings and bridges across the continental United States and Hawaii. At Malcolm Drilling, Ricky found a mentor and true friend in John Malcolm. Mr. Malcolm recognized him as the best driller in the company’s 60-year history, saying Ricky is one of the pillars of MDC’s foundation of being the best in the world.

Ricky believed in working hard and playing hard. He enjoyed his life and often said that he did things “My Way.”

The family wishes to express gratitude to Fairmont Hospice for providing the finest quality care for Ricky during his final days, and to private caregivers LaChrisa Williams and Twanna Jones for caring for him with compassion.

A visitation for Ricky will be held Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060. Following the visitation will be a graveside service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060. Rev. Bill Cole will officiate. The family wishes to recognize Leon Harper, Paul Walters, and John Malcolm as honorary pallbearers.