Paul Stanly Harper

Paul Stanly Harper of Ranger Texas died April 8, 2016 at the age of 72. He was born in Austin Texas at his childhood home, on April 29, 1943 one of four brothers and a sister. His childhood was a happy one full of mischief. Stan graduated from Stephen F Austin High School. Following graduation, Stan enlisted in the Navy. He served in Vietnam as a part of the Navy SeaBees. During his tenure in the Navy he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. Upon discharge, Stan remained active in the reserves retiring after 24 years of service. Stan was an ardent patriot all of his days.
Stan attended classes in architectural drafting at Southwest Texas State and also Prairie View A&M obtaining his teaching certificate in Building trades. Stan was a builder by trade as he was in the service, and worked in building and maintenance for many organizations as well as running his own business. He married Barbara Billingsley and together they had two boys, Mark and Scott. Stan and Barbara parted ways after some years and he remained devoted to his two sons. Following several years, he met and married Rosemary Jameson and became a father to her daughter Katherine.
Stan worked at Northview Development center in maintenance an also as a program director with some of the special needs clients. He again became a great friend and father figure to a special client, Robin Clark who he continued to take to lunch and served as her guardian for many years. He continued working for the Abilene Reporter News and Ranger High School as a maintenance supervisor as well as golf coach. Stan was always working on a building project or repairing things. Stan enjoyed many volunteer and social activities. He served the Boy Scouts as a Scout Master. He served the Ranger Historical Society, the Ranger and Eastland Lion’s clubs, Past Master of the Gorman Masonic Lodge no. 716 and also served as District Deputy Grand Master, Masonic District no. 73 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas, The Order of the Eastern Star, the American Legion, and served as an officer for the Eastland VFW. He also enjoyed fishing, bowling and was a certified diver. In his later years, he developed into a consummate golfer playing at every opportunity and many times winning on the tournament circuit. He was also a talented photographer and enjoyed taking pictures for his family and friends. Stan loved interacting with others and serving his community. His many friends and loved ones will miss his steady presence.
Stan joins his family Jim Harper and his parents that pre-deceased him. He is survived by his wife of thirty years, Rosemary Jameson Harper of Ranger, brothers Joe Harper and Mike Harper, and sister Carolyn Scott all of Austin Texas. Other survivors include his pride and joy sons: Mark Harper and his wife Jenny of Kennewick, Washington. Scott Harper and his wife Danielle and their three lovely children: Stephen Ray, Evelyn Jo, and Kennedy Joan and a baby that will arrive in the fall, of Ranger. Katherine Barker and her husband Carl and their precious children: Gus, Sam, Morgan and Hali of Eastland. All of his grandchildren will remember his gift for flapjacks, pranks, and love. Other survivors include a host of nieces and nephews, sisters in law and brothers in law that were integral to the man he became as well as many that he served in the role of father figure. Of special note, Grandmother Billingsley of Montana.
A memorial service will be held at Daugherty Street Church of Christ at 2 pm on April 12, 2016. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to donate to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children or the charity of your choice.