Harold Austin Harper

Harold Austin Harper passed away on Monday, August 29, 2016 at his home in Afton, Oklahoma at the age of 82 years.

Harold was born December 29, 1933, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He was the son of Herman Sibley and Zada (Cates) Harper. As a young boy Harold grew up in Broken Arrow where he attended school and later graduated from Broken Arrow High School with the Class of 1952. Following high school Harold joined the United States Army in 1954. He served his country until 1956 when he was honorably discharged.

Upon Harold’s return from the military he began driving a truck. He worked for Kresse, Chief Freight Lines and TOK Express. In the mid 1980’s, Harold began driving a truck for Wonder Bread where he worked until his retirement in 1998. Harold resided in the Cleveland area in the early 70’s before moving to Jennings in 1977. He later moved to Glenpool where he remained until 1995. In 1995, he moved to Ketchum and then in 1998, Harold moved to his current home in Afton.

In 1998, Harold and his son Gene opened and operated Catch-um Bait Sport and Tackle. The two operated the business for several years. Harold sold his portion to Gene and returned to driving a truck and fully retired in 2001. After his last retirement that gave Harold the opportunity to do what he loved. Working on the farm and tending to his cows around the house.

Harold enjoyed and competed in tractor pulling contests for many years. He was a member of the Green Country Puller Association. He loved to fish and going to Stuffins every morning to visit with the guys. Harold was also a musician loving to play his guitar and in the 70’s, played at several locations with his brother Melvin.

Survivors are his two children Gene Harper of Ketchum, Oklahoma, Les Harper and his wife Daphne of Ketchum, Oklahoma; two brothers Wayne Harper and his wife Ethel of Haskell, Oklahoma, Mel Harper of Ketchum, Oklahoma; three sisters Sue Self and her husband David of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Naomi Morton and her husband Gary of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Karla Barton and her husband Charles of Tulsa, Oklahoma; ten grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren. In addition to his parents Harold was preceded in death by his son Harold Dean Harper and a brother Dale Harper.

Services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, September 3, 2016, at the Lighthouse Christian Center with Randy Wilhite, David Self officiating. Graveside services will be at 2:30 pm Saturday in the Woodland Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday September 2nd from 11:00 am till 8:00 pm at the Luginbuel Funeral Home in Langley, Oklahoma. Chapman-Black Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements. Friends may share a memory with the family online at www.chapman-black.com.