MILFORD – Stanley J. Harper, 87, Syracuse, passed away Aug. 24, 2013, at Visiting Nurses Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. He was born May 20, 1926, in New Haven, to Emmet E. and Fannie G. Greenawalt Harper. On May 16, 1976, he married Cindy Bucher, who survives. They were married 37 years. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, and later became co-owner of E. Harper & Son Funeral Home in New Haven from 1948-1972. He later became the owner of the Sleepy Owl Bar & Restaurant in Syracuse from 1972-1976. He and his wife opened Harper’s Beach Bar on Dewart Lake from 1978-1986. He and Cindy spent the winters in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., for 37 years. He loved to deer hunt, which he did until he was 82 years old. He was a life member of the North Webster American Legion, Past Commander of the New Haven American Legion and a life member of the Syracuse VFW. Also surviving are two daughters, Valerie Harper, Port Charlotte, Fla., and Shelly (and spouse Denny) Corl, Syracuse; one son, J.K. Harper, San Francisco, Calif.; one granddaughter, Ashley Harper, Port Charlotte. He was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Elaine Pickard, and four brothers: George E., James Keith, Bruce M. and Homer H. Harper. Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Milford, with Pastor Mike Smith of Fort Wayne officiating, along with military honors by the U.S. Navy and North Webster American Legion Post 253. ***** Memorials to Visiting Nurse Hospice Home or Riley Hospital for Children, in care of Mishler Funeral Home, 461 W. 900 North, Milford, IN 46542. Condolences may be sent via www.misherfuneralhomes.com
