Gerald Harper

Gerald Mandel Harper, 82, died from advanced pancreatic cancer in his home, Thursday, May 24th, 2018.

He was born January 25, 1936, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the second of two children born to Ethel Lee Harper and Garner Harper, Sr. A brother, Garner Harper, Jr., and his parents preceded Gerald in death.

In 1962, Gerald married JoAnn Lawson, with whom he attended Epworth Methodist Church nursery and Sunday school, E.F. Swinney Elementary School, Westport High School (when he became an Eagle Scout) and Baker University for two years before enlisting in the army. After serving with pride in Ft. Chaffee, Ft. Monmouth and Hoppstadten, Germany, Gerald finished his undergraduate degree from Central Missouri State in Warrensburg, and a Master’s in Education Administration from The University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Gerald was a life-long educator having taught at Roeland Park Elementary from 1961-1967 and The Barstow School from 1967 through his retirement in 1998. Gerald continued his connection with Barstow after retirement acting as a substitute teacher.

A devoted father to his two children, Matthew Blake and Ashley Paige, Gerald coached many of his kids’ and school’s athletic teams, chaperoned trips to Wildwood and ski trips to Colorado, built sets for plays, and helped pull off many a special birthday celebration. In his spare time, Gerald loved to garden at the home he built, do woodworking and crafts, watch KU Basketball and to travel.

Gerald is survived by his wife and two children, a daughter-in-law, Deanne Harper, two “honorary grandchildren,” as well as loving relatives and a host of long-time friends.

The family would like to thank the numerous friends, neighbors, former students and colleagues that reached out and supported Gerald during this time. The family would also like to thank the team at The University of Kansas Cancer Center – Westwood and at Good Shepherd Hospice for taking good care of him during the last stages of his illness.

A private graveside service will be held for family members.

Gerald was an avid supporter of the environment. He would be honored if you chose to donate to your favorite environmental group in his name.