Dennis Harper passed away peacefully at Bridge Haven in Lawrence, Kansas following an admission to Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He received loving care from LMH, Bridge Haven and Ascend Hospice staff.
Dennis caught a mean case of Covid that impacted his cognitive functioning. Covid, coupled with other pre-existing health issues made his exit to the next plane swift.
Dennis was born in Wichita and ushered into the great dance by Willis Howard Harper and Ruth Dennis.
In 1965 he met his lifelong partner Marilee Aaron at Peter Pan, a small ice cream shop located near Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. Marilee was an ice cream server. While preparing his order they caught each other’s glance.
They were married on July 8, 1966.
Dennis and Marilee had two sons; Tom was born in 1967 and Paul in 1971.
Dennis was a hard-working man, working full time at Boeing while attending Sacred Heart College in Wichita earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1973. It was a long trek, but he accomplished this goal, all with two kids in tow. He spent most of his career at Davis Manufacturing that was later purchased by J. I. Case, retiring in 1999.
In 2016 Dennis and Marilee moved to Lawrence to be near Tom Harper & Terri Erickson-Harper. Paul Harper-O’Connor and Rob Harper O’Connor joined us in Lawrence in 2020.
It was very special to have everyone united in Lawrence.
Dennis enjoyed preparing food and eating. He was an expert at smoking and grilling meats. He was always searching for recipes to find something new to create.
He loved trying new restaurants and even looked forward to doctor appointments in Kansas City because it was an opportunity to do so afterwards.
Dennis enjoyed vintage cars; he always had an extra car that was just for fun. He took great pride in making sure each car was in tip top shape. No doubt he made the unlimited pass-car wash at Sixth Street and Wakarusa Road question their monthly flat fee option.
Dennis was generous and friendly. He knew how to turn on the charm. As he was being discharged from LMH we heard an aide whisper to a colleague, “Oh, there goes Dennis, he was my favorite, I love him.” Dad was like that; he had a wonderful smile and gentleness that made you feel comfortable.
Dennis also enjoyed music, specifically classic rock-n-roll and the blues. Fond memories include attending a ZZ-Top concert at the Stiefel Theatre and the recent Buddy Guy’s Damn Right Farewell tour at the Lied Center.
In recent years Dennis struggled with health issues yet soldiered on making his way to a myriad of grocery stores, Terrebonne Po’ Boys (for the gumbo), Wheatfields (for the cinnamon rolls) and enjoying weekly Saturday morning breakfasts at Aunt Netter’s Café in Lecompton with family.
Dennis enjoyed friendships that enabled him to play cards, Qwarkle and go fishing with his friends Rick Brown and Mike Goans.
Dennis and Marilee worked hard to provide Paul and Tom a good foundation to start their lives for which they are grateful.
Dennis is survived by his wife Marilee, son Paul Harper-O’Connor and his husband Rob Harper-O’Connor, his son, Tom Harper and wife Terri Erickson-Harper and his brother Bruce Harper.
We are grateful for Lawrence Memorial Hospital, University of Kansas Medical Center, Dr. Martha Allen and all the people who helped care for Dad in his final days.
A few simple ways of honoring Dennis would be going to Terrebonne Po’ Boys or Wheatfields and give Dad a toast while eating whatever your heart desires.
Another option would be a donation to the Lawrence Humane Society. He dearly loved all four-legged creatures.
A private Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring.
