About Us

Recent Obituaries

History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

From their initial grand opening in 1969, Harper Funeral Home, Inc. has grown to be one of the most respected names in the funeral industry, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

After practicing his profession as a Licensed Funeral Director since 1962, in Detroit, Michigan, Robert S. Harper, Jr. relocated with his wife and family to Kalamazoo area's Northside neighborhood at the 617 Douglas Avenue location. The business took root and started to grow and later moved to a new location at 521 Douglas Avenue, remaining in the Northside community.

Harper Funeral Home continued its progression with the changes of the funeral industry, while staying true to its tradition of personalized service, by building a new, modern facility, in 1999, to conduct traditional as well as contemporary and affordable services, that meet the needs of the families that are served.


The facility includes a 175-seat chapel that provides families to comfortably view their loved one, while a DVD Memorial Tribute can be seen by friends and family. Innovative features are offered, to give all families served thoughtful, meaningful memories of their loved one.

The staff at Harper Funeral Home knows that service doesn't end with the funeral. Our staff takes great pride in remaining your steadfast supporters. We are here to answer any questions you have, locate community resources for you, and otherwise provide you with the compassionate support you need in the days, weeks and months following the loss of a loved one.

For over 40 years, Harper Funeral Home has been the choice of many families in the Kalamazoo area and surrounding areas, who recognize our experience, dedication and compassion in their time of need.


Our Valued Staff

Mr. Robert S. Harper Jr.

Mr. Robert S. Harper Jr., Funeral Director/Owner


Ms. Dina L. Harper

Ms. Dina L. Harper, Funeral Director/Manager


Mr. Robert S. Harper III

Mr. Robert S. Harper III, Funeral Director


Mr. Darryl W. Harper

Mr. Darryl W. Harper, Memorial Tribute Specialist


Mr. Alton Miles

Mr. Alton Miles, Chief Funeral Service Assistant


Mr. Kirk Davis

Mr. Kirk Davis, Funeral Attendant/Driver


Mr. Cole Purnell

Mr. Cole Purnell, Funeral Attendant/Driver


Ms. Ora Hunt

Ms. Ora Hunt, Beautician

Ora Lee Hunt - "In Memoriam"October 26, 1928 - June 2, 2020Ora Lee Hunt joined our staff in 1971 as the beautician/hairstylist bringing comfort and familiarity to families as they laid their loved ones to rest. She was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ora leaves to cherish her memory her loving cousin Bryant Leggett, a host of beloved relatives and friends, and special friends Teresa ‘T’ Curry and Betty Gardner.


Mr. Willie L. White

Mr. Willie L. White, Funeral Attendent/Driver

Mr. Willie L. "Joe" White - "In Memoriam"September 1, 1937 - December 23, 2015Willie joined our staff in 2007, as a Funeral Associate /Driver. He was a dedicated worker who was known for his gentle demeanor and his infectious smile when assisting families. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and recently attended Galilee Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Bertha M. White; 6 children; 1 brother; 4 sisters; 27 grandchildren; 69 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.