George C. Harper, Jr., 78, Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024, at his residence.
He was born July 15, 1946, in Milltown, Indiana, to George C. Harper, Sr. and Ora L. (Greene) Harper. George was the oldest of four siblings. He was a 1964 graduate from Milltown High School, in Milltown, Indiana. George attended Wabash Valley College. He served in the United States Army, HHC 1st Battalion 30th Infantry, from 1965-1970, receiving a National Defense Service Medal.
George worked in various jobs from being a butcher, mechanic, and spending his later years in the oil service industry. He loved being a husband, dad, papaw/grandpa, and great grandpa. George was a skilled mechanic and welder and enjoyed tinkering with all types of motors and tractors. He enjoyed working in his garage repairing his kids and grandkids vehicles. George loved the Lord and attended Heartland Worship Center.
He is survived by his four children, Caroline (Charles) Trimble of Allendale, Michele Harper of Bridgeport, Bryan Harper of Mt. Carmel, and Loretta (Brian) Monts of Olney; grandchildren, Brooke (Chase) Ziegler, Daylen Trimble, Cecilia (Cory) Vinnedge, Faith (Austin) Canizales, Jonas (Brianna) Trimble, Gabriel (Shelby) Trimble, Olivia (John) Cusick, Sara (Nick) Kieffer, Lynsey (Chad) Pixley, Miranda McCowen, Cailtyn (Alex) Mitchell, Colby Monts; great-grandchildren, Dean, Luke, John, Zane, and Jack Ziegler; Charleigh, Eleanor, Theodore, and Alexander Vinnedge, Oaklie Trimble, Camden, Calrissia, and Cathaleen Kieffer, Carter Pixley, Raylan McCowen, Brooklyn, Braelyn, and Gatlin Mitchell.
George was preceded in death by his wife, Linda, of forty-four years; his parents; his siblings, Leota Humphreys, Gerald Harper, and Warren Harper; grandchild, Sadie Mae-Marie Ahlfield Harper; and great-grandchild Ryne Kieffer.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Short Funeral Home. A Graveside Service for George will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Highland Memorial Cemetery in Mt. Carmel, Illinois.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve George’s family.
