Mr. Robert S. Harper Jr.

****A CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICES FOR MR. ROBERT S. HARPER, JR. WILL BE HELD 10:00 A.M. ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 AT STONES CHURCH IN KALAMAZOO (DOORS OF THE CHURCH WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT 9:00 A.M.) ***ATTENTION TO THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO VIEW SERVICES ONLINE YOU HAVE (3) OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM: 1. Go to Stone Church's website at: stoneschurch.com -Or 2. Go to YouTube -Or 3. Go to Facebook, if you have a facebook account. after logging in, type in Stones Church -Or- 4. Go To Stones Church Livestream ***THERE WILL BE A CAPACITY LIMIT ON SATURDAY**** ***PLEASE SEE WALK THROUGH VISITATION INFORMATION FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 LISTED BELOW**** ****MASKS & SOCIAL DISTANCING AT BOTH CHURCHES WILL BE EXPECTED TO ENTER---HAND SANITIZER WILL BE PROVIDED**** _________________________________________ NOTE: IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, the Harper Family would appreciate monetary contributions sent to the following, in Memory of Robert S. Harper, Jr.: Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch of the NAACP, PO Box 51473, Kalamazoo, MI 49005. ____________________________________________ THE OBITUARY Robert S. Harper Jr. made his transition from earth to Glory on Monday, December 6,2021 at home surrounded by his family. He was born July 16, 1936, the firstborn son to Robert Sr. and Nellie Harper in Detroit, MI. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. Robert was a student in the Detroit Public Schools. He attended Cass Technical High School and later attended Northwestern High School, graduating in 1954. After high school, he attended Highland Park Community College for a year, and then he transferred to Howard University in Washington D.C. While there, he was employed with a limousine service and worked in the Capitol. However, during this time he realized that he really wanted to pursue a career in the funeral profession. So, he left Howard and enrolled in school at Eckels College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia, PA. Robert completed his studies at Eckels and returned to Detroit. After passing the Michigan State Board exam, he joined the team of funeral directors at House of Diggs and began as an apprentice with their funeral home. At 25 years of age, he then became one of the youngest licensed funeral directors to work with their firm. During his apprenticeship, he met his wife, Marilyn. In 1962, they united in marriage, and to this union three children were born: Robert III, Dina and Darryl. After being employed with House of Diggs for about 2 years, Robert then joined the staff at Charles T. Cole Funeral Home in Detroit. He enjoyed working in the Detroit area but longed to have his own business. He decided to relocate to Kalamazoo, MI in 1969 where he began his dream of business ownership. After moving his wife and children to Kalamazoo, he united with Galilee Baptist Church, where he was baptized under the leadership of Rev. Mabry Gardner. He later joined and was a faithful member of Christian Life Center which became Stones Church. In the early years in Kalamazoo, Robert began to expand his involvement in the community, as one of the organizers of a new businessmen’s club called The Progressive Minority Association. He was a supporter of the Kalamazoo Metropolitan Branch of the NAACP and was always willing to support programs and events. He was a member of several fraternal organizations, including membership in the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan. He was very proud when he was elevated to the high ranking of 33rd degree Mason and also a Shriner. He was recognized for his many accomplishments in the latter years by the Black Police Officers’ Association, the Minority Business Alliance of Southwest Michigan for over 35 years of business, and the Michigan Funeral Directors’ Association for his 50-year Licensee. Robert was known to have a “green thumb" to maintain his lawn, shrubs and beautiful flowers. He was proud to have one of the best-looking lawns in the neighborhood. He also enjoyed fishing, especially at Austin Lake. One of his favorite past times was watching sports, especially the Detroit Pistons and University of Michigan football. Robert was a humble man who had a strong faith in God and loved his family. He enjoyed providing for his family, watching his children and grandchildren grow over the years while they excelled in their interests in sports, education and music/band. He was known to give advice with words of wisdom when you talked with him. Even if you had a brief conversation with him, those nuggets of wisdom had a strong impact. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. and Nellie Harper; his grandmother, Nancy Washington; 1 sister, Edythe Mundy; 3 brothers-in-law, Okey Eanes Jr., Bill Adams and Carl Newland; two nephews, Okey Eanes, III and Derek Adams. He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife of 59 years, Marilyn; his children, Robert III, Dina and Darryl (Beth); grandchildren, Kayla, Alex, David, Jazmine, Andru', Kayin, Jenna and Sarah; two brothers, Russell and Lawrence; one sister, Judith; three sisters-in-law, Dorris, Ella and Urline and several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends. Robert was a pillar in the Kalamazoo community. He was not only the patriarch of the Harper family, but he was a successful businessman, a beloved mentor, a friend and confidante to so many. “Job well-done, Robert S. Harper, Jr. Rest well, my good and faithful servant.”

Mr. Robert S. Harper Jr.

July 16, 1936 - December 6, 2021