Raymond J Harper

Raymond Jesse Harper, 90, of Wauseon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2022, surrounded by family in the comfort of his home. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, where he was raised by his late parents, Jesse and Helen (Collins) Harper.

Raymond, also known as “Ray”, attended West Side High School, and graduated in 1949. After graduation, he enlisted into the United States Navy to which he proudly served his country for 2 years. Upon his release, he began his career working for AT&T, where he was loyally employed for 43 years. After the military, Ray met and married his future-wife, Ruth Harper, on February 14, 1959, which marked the beginning of many loving years together until her passing in 2007. Ray and Ruth were inseparable and did everything together. They loved to go to the casinos, travel, and attend major league baseball games. In his leisure time, Ray enjoyed watching all-things baseball as well as rooting for The Ohio State Buckeyes football team. He coached his sons in youth baseball and above all things, he loved spending everyday with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He never missed one of the grandkids sporting events and even attended some of the great grandkids’ games when he was able. He was a member of the West High Alumni and supported them throughout his life, and also enjoyed fishing and woodworking.

Ray was a simple, gentle man who kept to himself. He had a kind soul and was a great father to his sons. His family will miss him “being there” the most and will always think of him when eating popcorn, his favorite. He was tremendously loved and will be dearly missed for just being Grandpa.

Ray is survived by his sons, Jeff Harper, Randy (Sheri) Harper; grandchildren, Kalai (Shyanna) Harper, Kolina (Jason) Brown, Kaden Harper (Brooklyn Wright), Gunner Harper (Rayna), Garrett Harper; great grandchildren, Kaliegh Hossler, Kolten Harper, Kyslee Harper, Hadley Brown, Huntley Brown, Huxtyn Brown, Zaven Harper; special friend and caretaker, Jessica Ames and children; and many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Ruth Harper; great granddaughter, Adalyn Harper; stepfather; brother-in-laws, Ed Lawless, Paul Starkey; sister-in-law, Dorothy Lawless; mother-in-law, Mary Starkey, father-in-law, Gerald Starkey.

A public visitation will take place on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at the Walker Funeral Home - Holland-Springfield Chapel, 7438 Airport Hwy, Holland, OH, from 6-8 p.m. His funeral service will take place on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by a funeral procession to the cemetery.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider The PDY PTO with Delta Schools. Ray’s last outing was to The Veterans Day Celebration at the Delta Middle School with his great granddaughter and giving back to the teachers and children of the district is a great honor.

Condolences can be sent at walkerfuneralhomes.com.