Theron Johnson Harper, 91, passed away August 19, 2023 in the care of Ascend Hospice Care and the great people at Bridge Haven Memory Care in Lawrence, KS, after a short illness.
He was born October 15, 1931 in the home on the family farm near Virginia, (Bates County) MO, to Rollin Hill Harper and Ethel Irene (McGuire) Harper. He was married to his high school sweetheart Dixie Deems Harper at the home of her parents on July 17, 1949. They were happily married for 73 years before her passing in January this year.
Theron and Dixie had five children: Stephen Kyle, Kathi Sue Hunsinger, Theron Kevin, Roderick Deems, and Elizabeth Ann Spring. Theron and Dixie along with their children, owned and operated Deems Farm Equipment the John Deere Dealership in Lawrence for more than 30 years. Theron and Dixie both attended the University Community of Christ Church in Lawrence.
In the Fall of 1989, Theron and Dixie decided to become Floridian Snowbirds and spent their winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. They continued to be Snowbirds for more than fifteen years and loved every minute of it.
Theron was preceded in death by his parents, all three of his siblings, his wife, his oldest son Kyle, his youngest daughter Libby, son-in-law Chris ‘Elvi’ Hunsinger, and his great grandson Reese Massey. He is survived by daughter Kathi Hunsinger, son Kevin (Becky, Theresa, Theron Craig), Rod (Barbara, Erica, Rod Jr.), son-in-law Jim Spring, grandchildren Kelly Renick, Travis Renick, and Kyle’s children, Jeanne, Julie, Jennifer, Branden and Whitney, several greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews.
There will be a visitation for both Theron and Dixie Saturday, September 2, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home 601 Indiana Lawrence, KS 66044 The family suggest memorials in Theron’s name to Ascend Hospice Care, and University Community of Christ Church. Donations may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Online condolences may be sent to www.rumsey-yost.com.
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any means you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
We haven’t lived in Lawrence for many years, but always remembered Theron as a real gentleman and great family man.
Oh my, so sorry to hear this news! May his rest be peaceful! God Bless!
Kevin, Rod and families. We are so sorry for your loss.
I knew Theron from Bridge Haven. He made my Grandmother, Margueritte, immediately feel at home knowing she had a friend there.
A couple months ago during a lunch visit, Theron was at the head of the table at Bridge Haven with everyone gathered around eating lunch. You could tell he had an agenda as he was eating, and he made a couple announcements to the group that once everyone got finished up we would get “the meeting” started. His mind was on the negotiation of a big tractor deal, and you could see his focus was shifting from the pleasantries of the lunch to talking business. The staff at Bridge Haven navigated this beautifully, following him along on his path as they do so gracefully.
Dementia is so difficult, and oddly beautiful, as you can see glimpses of the strong business leader Theron was before the dementia took hold. Just like my Grandma, even when the disease put him back to his time years ago at the head of a long conference table instead of his dining room at Bridge Haven, dementia did not touch his core sweetness. He was so sweet as he welcomed my Grandmother to the home, and he was a trusted friend throughout her stay. I know his heart was not complete without his Dixie. I am so sad to hear about his passing that occurred just after my Grandma passed, and would like to offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends. I am glad that he and Dixie are together again.
Theron was such a kind and gentle man and highly respected. He always had a smile for you. He had a good heart and always helped when help was needed. I will always remember his gentle voice and the love he had for his family. To Kathy, Kevin and Rod: I am so sorry for your loss. He truly was an amazing man. You should all be proud of his accomplishments, as I am sure he was proud of you all. May God comfort you all at this time. He will truly be missed