Randy attended the University of Missouri and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. He graduated in 1976 with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. After college, Randy spent many years as an owner of Harpo’s, Sundecker’s, and Morgan Street Brewery with various locations in Columbia, Kansas City, Chesterfield and Springfield. He also enjoyed building spec homes through his company, RL Harper Homes.
In his spare time, Randy loved reading, skiing, fishing, golfing with his son and spending summers in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with his family. He was an outspoken sports fan of the Missouri Tigers, Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals – especially when they were winning! He was a walking history book who loved old movies, old tunes and always had a fun trivia fact to share.
Anyone who knew Randy, knew that he never let the truth get in the way of a good story – and man, did he tell great stories! Randy lit up every room he walked into and will be deeply missed.
He was a loving father to his children, Hayley Sumner (Kyle), Hannah Harper (Graham Ratermann), Randall Luke Harper and his beloved dog, Ricky. Aside from being survived by his children, Randy also leaves behind his father, Robert Harper, the mother of his children, Laura Church, his siblings, Connie Siems (Frederick), Dennis Harper (Sara), Susan Young, and Cindy Payne (Mark), nieces and nephews, Brett Young (Nicole), Heidi Miller (John Patrick), Kerstin Yates, Lindsey Oldelehr (Marcus), Ashley Payne, Nick Payne (Mandy), Alexis Young, Paige Harper, Taylor Moreton (James), and Mackenzie Harper along with many loving friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Harper and his brother-in-law Stuart Young.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 2:30pm at St. Thomas More Newman Center in Columbia, MO. Following the service, the family will receive friends at Harpo’s Columbia in celebration of Randy’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Central Missouri Humane Society, the Tiger Scholarship Fund - Dennis R. and Randy L. Harper Scholarship or a charity of your choice.
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