Harlan Harper Jr.'s Obituary
Harlan Harper Jr., 95, of Dallas, Texas, went home to his Heavenly Father on Friday, July 26, 2024. He was born at home in San Antonio, Texas (the last of four children) on September 15, 1928. His father owned the Harlan Harper Dairy. As a child, Harlan Jr. helped his dad make home milk deliveries from a horse drawn wagon.
Harlan graduated from Southern Methodist University with both his bachelor’s and law degrees. Serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, he was promoted from second to first lieutenant to Captain and finally to Major. He met the love of his life, Linda Steere, at Park Cities Baptist Church. They were married on July 16, 1960. He served as an active attorney for over forty years, trying and winning many lawsuits against some of the most outstanding Texas lawyers. For over twenty years, he represented the world's largest retail company locally. Harlan served as founding partner and president of Fanning, Harper, Martinson, Brandt and Kutchin for over thirty-three years. When he retired from the firm, at its peak, there were over thirty lawyers in the firm.
His faith in Jesus Christ led him to serve others throughout his life. He was an active deacon at both Lakeside Baptist Church and Park Cities Baptist Church for over thirty-seven years. He served as president of Lakeside's Baptist Men chapter and led the organization of about 500 men in countless service activities. He also taught an adult Sunday School class at Lakeside. Harlan was president of the North Dallas Kiwanis Club and both president and chaplain of his Garland Gideon Camp. Harlan and Linda worked for many years with the children's choirs at Park Cities Baptist. They have lived at Five Star Premier Residences in Dallas for eight years.
Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, Harlan and Julia Harper, two brothers, Woody and Elton Harper, and one sister, Dorothy McDermott.
This deeply caring man with a wry sense of humor will be sorely missed by his wife of sixty-four years, Linda Steere Harper, and their children, Anne Elizabeth Motlow (Tom) and David Harlan Harper (Cindy). He is survived by three grandchildren, Jonathan Harper (Margaret), Joshua Harper (Courtney), and Mark Motlow. He is also survived by five nieces, Julia and Laurie McDermott, Sally McCoy (Mac), Harriet Harper Brodie (Douglas), and Helene Harper Wheeler, as well as nephew Chip Harper (Susie). The family would like to extend a special thank you to Harlan's caregiver, Cathy Cole.
A memorial service will be held in Ellis Chapel at Park Cities Baptist Church (3933 Northwest Parkway Dallas, TX) on Friday, August 9th at 2:00 pm. Memorial gifts may be given to the Park Cities Baptist Church Sanctuary Refresh (3933 Northwest Parkway, Dallas, TX 75225) or the Employee Appreciation Fund at Five Star Premier Residence (5455 La Sierra Drive, Dallas, TX 75231).
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