Henry Leroy Harper 1936-2024

Henry Leroy Harper, 87 of Quitman passed away on March 24, 2024 at the Hospice of East Texas Homeplace in Tyler. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the First Assembly of God, Quitman, with Pastor Ken Otwell officiating. Burial followed at the Myrtle Springs Cemetery. The Harper family received friends on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Lowe-Gardner Funerals and Cremations, 1102 E. Goode Street, Quitman.

Leroy was born on Nov. 30, 1936, in Picher, Okla. to Henry Clinton Harper and his wife Edith Mae (White) Harper. He was a United States Navy veteran and additionally served in the United States Army and was a paratrooper and served with the special forces. Leroy married Virginia Ann Casey in 1970. They lived in Garland for many years and in 1987 made their home in Quitman. He retired from the US Postal Service. Leroy enjoyed working in the yard, gardening, as well as fishing and reading. Some of his proudest memories, however, are those of a Golden Glove boxing champion in 1954 while serving on the USS Intrepid.

Henry Leroy Harper is survived by his wife of 54 years, Virginia; his daughter, Lana and her husband Aaron Lewis of Sulphur Springs, daughter, Debra Leann Harper of Quitman; grandchildren, Aston and Hannah Chance and Izaak and Lindsey Chance; great-grandchildren, BaeLynn Duff and West Chance; also surviving are a niece and nephews and many friends along with his church family.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert Earl Harper; and his granddaughter, Bethany Lynn Bailey.