Robert Payne Harper, Jr., born in New Orleans on December 18, 1931, passed away peacefully at Lambeth House on Friday, January 26, 2018. Strengthened by the prayers, love, and support of countless friends and family, as well as the tireless and loving efforts of his cherished caregivers, Bob fought a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease for twelve years.
Bob graduated from Holy Cross High School, and he received a Bachelor of Science from Tulane University, where he was a member of the Navy ROTC. Thereafter, he served honorably in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant and Naval Aviator from 1954 to 1957.
Bob was owner and president of Industrial Machinery Systems, Inc.
Bob was an avid outdoorsman who hunted and fished all over the world, from the marshes of Lafitte, to numerous rivers all over the western United States, and to the plains of South America and Africa. He also enjoyed gardening, and grew a wide array of orchids and other exotic plants.
Bob was a longtime member of several organizations, including the Southern Yacht Club, the Little Lake Hunting Club, and the Krewe of Hermes.
Bob is survived by his beloved spouse of 58 years, June Quirk Harper; two sons, Robert P. Harper and Ryan A. Harper; a son-in-law, Pierre V. Miller II; a daughter-in-law, Vivian Anne Harper; seven grandchildren: Pierre V. “Coury” Miller III, Andrew P. Miller, Harper J. Miller, Elise M. Miller, Robert P. Harper, Jr., Joseph K. Harper, and Lucille A. Harper; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kelly Harper Miller; his parents, Edith Stack Harper and Robert P. Harper, Sr.; and his brother, Fred Harper.
More than anything on earth, Bob treasured his children and family, along with his close relationships with so many wonderful people in his life. Throughout his illness, he enjoyed wonderful blessings, preparing him for an eternity with God. While Bob is no doubt experiencing peace and joy in heaven, those he left behind will miss him dearly. All are invited to attend a wake at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 444 Metairie Road, Metairie, LA 70005 on Thursday, February 1, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. A Funeral Mass and graveside service will be celebrated immediately afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, Bob and his family would appreciate donations in his memory to Holy Cross High School, 5500 Paris Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122; the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014; or the Lambeth House Employee Appreciation Fund, 150 Broadway Street, New Orleans, LA 70118.
To view and sign the guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
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