Jerry S. Harper, 83, of Mount Vernon passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. He was born on May 23, 1941, in Utica to the late Omar and Dorothy (McMannis) Harper.
Jerry was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he was an Elder, a Deacon, a Trustee, and enjoyed helping with the church’s Hotmeals program. He supported youth development as the assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 339 for 15 years and was a former member of the Jaycees.
As a three-year varsity football player, Jerry was an integral cog of the undefeated 1956 and 1957 Mount Vernon High School football team. As exciting as these seasons were, the greatest award was in 1958 when he escorted his high school sweetheart and homecoming queen across the 50-yard line, and later down the wedding aisle!
Jerry was “hometown proud” as an employee of Cooper Energy Services, working his way up in responsibility over 40 years while providing for his family. His work at CES created an opportunity to build relationships and enjoy the company of many friends and coworkers.
Jerry was a patient father and grandfather. He loved to watch and encourage the kids and grandkids as they expressed their various talents and abilities. From sports to arts and performing arts, Jerry would gladly travel to see them compete, display, or perform their craft. There was always a hug or a high five (and often a special treat!) waiting at the end.
Another favorite hobby was meal planning and cooking. He always tried to find a way to pass on his “tips and tricks” to the kids and grandkids, whether through holiday celebrations, Sunday dinners, old family recipes, or casual short-orders hot off the grill!
Jerry was an avid golfer and enjoyed mowing the greens at Irish Hills and the friendship and fellowship of other golfers. He loved traveling throughout the US, spending time at the beach, and watching sunsets.
Jerry is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Diane (Daily) Harper; sons, Jeffrey Harper of Bellefontaine and his children, Jacob and Kalin, Dr. Steven (Mary) Harper of Tarpon Springs, FL and their children Nathan and Matthew, and Andrew Harper of League City, TX and his children, Ciana and Salynn; sisters, Deanna (Chic) Goehler of Mount Vernon and Janet (Dewey) Caudill of Greenville, MI; a brother, Dan Harper of Pearland, TX; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church, 106 North Gay. St., Mount Vernon with Rev. Ross Slaughter officiating. Burial will follow in Mound View Cemetery for family members. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m., one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders, https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org (an international medical humanitarian organization).
The Snyder Funeral Homes in Mount Vernon are honored to serve the family of Jerry S. Harper and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or send the family an expression of sympathy at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com