Richard Fred Harper

He was born on October 7, 1931, in Stigler, Oklahoma. Driven by a sense of purpose and intentionality, Fred recognized the value of education from a young age and achieved success in every endeavor he pursued. His dedication to his family, unwavering integrity, and extensive knowledge of history, philosophy, science, and music were admired by all who knew him.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Gayle Ann Harper, and his children: Susan (Fred) Northern, Richard (Kimberly) Harper, and Tom (Ann) Harper; stepfather to Amy (Bruce) Stafford, Paul (MaryAnne) Jackson, and Sarah (Jon) Puckett. Fred's legacy extends to his grandchildren: Rhys Northern, Steven Northern, Carson Harper, Alyssa Leone, Hope Parker, Alex Harper, Andrew Harper, Jackson Stafford, Riley Stafford, Parker Stafford, Sam Jackson, Claire Jackson, William Jackson, Henry Jackson, Lilly Jackson, Jack Puckett, Carter Puckett, and Davis Puckett. Additionally, he leaves behind eight great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, James Jesse Harper and Naoma Green Harper, as well as his sister, Kay Burks, and his first wife, Jimmie Bassham Harper.

Fred attended Stigler High School and continued at Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He furthered his education at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, obtaining his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1956. After graduation, he served his internship at Hillcrest Medical Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and residency in Monroe, Louisiana.

Dedicated to serving his country, Fred proudly served in the United States Air Force as a Captain and Flight Surgeon from 1957 to 1959.

A highly respected physician, Fred’s professional career spanned several decades. He practiced as a General Practice physician at the Loy Clinic in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, from 1960 to 1985. In 1966, he volunteered as a physician in Vietnam, caring for civilians affected by war. Later, he worked as a physician specializing in Disability Evaluations in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, from 1985 to 1999. After retiring, he worked as a volunteer physician with the Shriners International organization.

Outside of his professional life, Fred had a passion for woodworking, coin collecting, orchid cultivation, literature, history, philosophy, art, music, and quail hunting. While in Pawhuska, he was probably best known for planting and cultivating a 440-tree apple orchard. In his later years, he researched his family genealogy and wrote 6 books that recorded his life story and that of his extended family. He found joy in pursuing these hobbies and sharing his knowledge with others.

A memorial service to celebrate Fred's life will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, September 27th, at Memorial Park Funeral Home, followed by burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, supporting advancements in medical research (link to OMRF Donations below).

Fred will be remembered as a remarkable individual who lived a life of purpose, touched the lives of many, and left an enduring legacy of knowledge, integrity, and love.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemorialParkOKC.com for the Harper family.