David L. Harper

David Laurence Harper, a cherished member of the Yuma, Arizona community, passed away peacefully on his 74th birthday surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. David was known for his warm heart, infectious laughter, and unwavering love for his family and friends.

He was born on April 2, 1950, as the fourth child of Mary Elizabeth and Harold Harper. He attended Emerson Elementary and went on to graduate from Flagstaff High in 1968 as a proud Eagle. While a teenager, he joined his father and brother at the Harper Furniture store in downtown Flagstaff. David soon started working with his brother-in-law Daryl Merrick at Northern Materials Corporation where he batched concrete, operated the asphalt hot plant, and drove concrete and other delivery trucks to deliver the products over Northern and Eastern Arizona.

In 1983, David answered a call from the Operator’s union to operate a temporary concrete batch plant in Yuma, AZ for Tanner Companies for two weeks. He stayed in Yuma and went on to become a mudcat operator, dispatcher, concrete plant operator, truck supervisor, salesman and Ready-Mix Plant Manager as the Tanner operations in Yuma changed hands to Apac/Ashland, Peter Kiewit and Sons, Kiewit Materials, Rinker Materials, and finally Cemex Construction Materials South. He retired as the Concrete Salesman in 2020 with almost 38 years of service to these combined operations.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, David's true legacy lies in the lives he touched and the hearts he warmed. He was a pillar of strength and support for his family, always ready with a listening ear and a comforting embrace. David's love knew no bounds, and his presence brought joy and light to all who knew him.

In his free time, David enjoyed watching old westerns and all types of sports, doing crossword puzzles, playing keno and drawing. He was an avid sports fan and very much enjoyed watching his children through the years as they participated in school and travel sports. After his retirement, he passionately watched the AZ Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, AZ Cardinals along with his favorite college teams U of A, ASU, and Mizzou.

David is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marjorie Harper, his daughter, Kathryn Harper, his son Kyle Harper with girlfriend Ashley Goetter, his daughter Casandra Harper Morris, son-in-law, Kelsey Morris, grandson, Mateo Morris, and his former wife Clarisa Harper. He is also survived by his sisters Carolyn Johnston, MaryBeth Merrick, and sister-in-law Delcie Harper, many of Marge’s siblings and their spouses and many nieces and nephews from both the Harper and Murphy families.

David was predeceased by his daughter Baby Harper, his son Ryan Harper, his parents Harold and MaryLiz Harper, his brother Paul Harper, his sister JeanAnn Harper, his brothers-in-law Bryant Johnston, Daryl Merrick, Glenn Hilge, Jim Kowske, his sisters-in-law Alice Friend, Donna Murphy, Peggy Cianciola, Liz Kowske, and his niece Ashley Murphy. David will be deeply missed by his beloved family who take comfort in the countless memories they shared together. He will also be fondly remembered by his wide circle of friends and colleagues, who admired him for his kindness, humor, and genuine nature.

Although David may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, laughter, and compassion will continue to inspire us for years to come.

In honor of David's life and legacy, a memorial service will be held at the chapel at Johnson Mortuary and Desert Lawn Memorial Park at 1415 S 1st Avenue in Yuma on Saturday, May 4th at 10:30am. After the service a Celebration of Life luncheon will be held for close friends, co-workers, and family to share their memories and laughter of how he impacted their lives at the Community Clubhouse at Cielo Verde Apartments at 3370 S Avenue 8E in Yuma.