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., Funeral Director/Owner

Mr. Robert S. Harper, Jr. - "In Memoriam"July 16, 1938 - December 6, 2021Robert S. Harper Jr., owner/operator of Harper Funeral Home, Inc. since 1969, made his transition from earth to Glory on Monday, December 6,2021 at home surrounded by his family.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. 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.For over 50 years, Mr. Harper loved serving families in the Kalamazoo and surrounding areas, and he did so with integrity, dedication, and compassion in their time of need. He passed the baton on to his children, who will continue this tradition of serving families with dignity.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.Mr. Harper 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.”

Ms. Dina L. Harper, Funeral Director/Manager

Mr. Robert S. Harper III, Funeral Director

Mr. Darryl W. Harper, Office/Administrative Operations

Mr. Joseph Vincent, Funeral Attendant/Driver

Mr. TreShawn Reynold, Funeral Attendant/Driver

Mr. Oliver Yarber, Funeral Attendant

Mrs. June Barnes, Hair Stylist

Mr. Alton Sherwood Miles, Chief Funeral Service Assistant

Mr. Alton Miles - "In Memoriam"May 10, 1944 - July 4, 2024Deacon Alton Sherwood Miles passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy. He was also a treasured employee of Harper Funeral Home for close to fifty years under the guidance of his friend and mentor, the late Mr. Robert S. Harper Sr. Combined with his tremendous skills, he touched many families in the most vulnerable point of their lives.Survivors include his devoted wife of 53 years, Sadie; his cherished sons, Scott (Yulonda) Miles and Steven (Valeria) Miles; five grandchildren, Albany, Tailor, Shon, Samira and Paige; five great-grandchildren, Aden, Avery, Trinity Rose, Gianni and Baby Tru; his brothers, Kairl (Mary) Miles, Pastor/Dr. Wayne (Joyce) Miles, Rev. Donald (Faye) Miles, Elder Lewis (Vicky) Miles; his beautiful sisters, Ethel (Wayne) Reed. Margaret Bratton and Nancy Miles; brother and sister-in-love, Dr. Percy and Sue Clark; sister and brother-in-love, Lola Clark and Donald Atkinson; sister-in-love, Angela Miles; a nephew who was like a son, Craig (Ronita) Atkinson; two special goddaughters, Nicole Jackson Hitchens and Keila Miles. Also surviving him are a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.Miles was a pillar in the Kalamazoo community. He was also the patriarch of our family, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather. He was also a humanitarian, mentor, friend, confidante, but most importantly a servant leader, a Child of God. “Job well-done, Alton Sherwood Miles. Rest well, my good and faithful servant.” In the words of his favorite gospel song, “May The Work He’s Done Speak For Him.”

Mr. Kirk Davis, Funeral Attendant/Driver

Mr. Schubry "Kirk" Davis - "In Memoriam"August 20, 1944 - June 24, 2025Kirk joined our staff in 2013, as a Funeral Attendant /Driver. He not only brought a joy to the office atmosphere at Harper Funeral Home, but his friendliness and special care when assisting families was appreciated by anyone who came in contact with him. He was a member of Stones Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Davis; three children: Andre, Tasha, and David. Also, his brothers and sisters: Alma (Marie) and Larry, George and Melissa, Odell and Stephine, Barbara and Edward, Billy and Phyllis Snell.