Kenneth Ross Harper

Ken was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas on May 22, 1931 to loving parents, Lester and Alma Harper. His family moved to California when he was seven and settled in Tulare. Ken graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1949. He served in the United States Marines from 1952 – 1954, serving during the Korean Conflict. Ken served in the Reserves until 1960. Following his discharge, he returned to Visalia where he worked at Real Fresh Creamery as a Machine Operator, retiring after 25 years. Ken attended Gateway Church of Visalia for many years and was last attending Calvary Worship Center in Visalia. He enjoyed gardening, hiking, dancing, going to the beach and watching birds. Ken also enjoyed listening to music and eating pie, any kind of pie. He was a member of the Sons of Italy, Visalia Singles and the Mended Hearts Association. He gave regularly to the Native American Tribes. Ken was a quiet man with a great sense of humor and he will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Alma and his son Anderson in 2013.

He is survived by four children, Donna Kealoha of Las Vegas, NV, Michael Lancaster of Russellville, AR, James Harper of Visalia and Julie Harper of Visalia; daughter-in-law, Evelyn Harper of Visalia; Diane Hurley, mother of his children, of Visalia; Susan Wahl, companion, of Visalia; one sister Sally Serpa and husband George of Tulare; 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren with one on the way; one niece and one nephew.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the staff of Prestige Assisted Living and to those special people who provided care to Ken during his time there.

Celebration of Life services will be held on Friday, March 20, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1060 LaAvenida, Mountain View, CA 94043 in Ken’s name.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291