Kenneth “Bill” Harper, 92, Swayzee, went to be with the Lord Friday morning, Nov. 30, 2012, leaving from Century Villa in Greentown following a short illness.
He was born in Howard County on Feb. 11, 1920, to Howard and Grace (Ball) Harper, one of 12 children. He graduated from Jackson Township School in 1938 and married Marieta Younce on April 5, 1942. Bill and Marieta lived most of their married lives in Swayzee.
Bill worked at Delco Remy in Anderson and the Swayzee Trailer factory before he and Hillard Payne started the Harper and Payne Impl. Co. in 1953. It grew to be a successful John Deere dealership and Bill became sole owner in 1978. He remained involved in the business until his death.
For many years, Bill and Marieta enjoyed their lake cottage on Wawasee Lake, where he loved to fish and play golf. He was a member of the Swayzee United Methodist Church, the Swayzee Lions Club and was also the Clerk Treasurer of Swayzee for many years.
Survivors include a daughter, Kathy (Rex) Riggs, Greentown; grandchildren, Kristen Jo Riggs, Hershey, Pa., Ryan Kent Riggs, Greentown, Amy Marie Wolfgang, Tipton, Ian Randall Wolfgang, Fishers; a great-grandson, Kyler Wolfgang; son-in-law, Randy Wolfgang; sister, Sue (Gene) Alexander, Converse; and brothers, Vic, Dale and Tom Harper, all of Greentown.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Marieta, on Sept. 19, 2011; daughter, Rita Jo Wolfgang, on Feb. 5, 1993; five sisters; and two brothers.
Funeral service is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at Swayzee United Methodist Church, 306 S. Washington St., Swayzee, with Pastor Bob Denney officiating. Burial will be in Thrailkill Cemetery, Swayzee. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Swayzee United Methodist Church or to the charity of donor’s choice. Arrangements are being handled by Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Rybolt Chapel, 314 N. Washington St., Swayzee. Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.
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Kenneth ‘Bill’ Harper
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December 2, 2012
Kenneth ‘Bill’ Harper
Feb. 11, 1920 - Nov. 30, 2012
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