Stanley J. Harper

Stanley J. Harper, 87, of Syracuse passed away August 24, 2013 at Visiting Nurses Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. He was born May 20, 1926 in New Haven to Emmet E. and Fannie G. (Greenawalt) Harper. Stan married Cindy Bucher on May 16, 1976; she survives.

Stan served in the US Navy during WWII. He attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and later became the co-owner of E. Harper & Son Funeral Home in New Haven, IN from 1948-1972. Stan later became the owner of the Sleepy Owl Bar & Restaurant in Syracuse from 1972-1976. He and his wife Cindy opened Harper's Beach Bar on Dewart Lake from 1978-1986. Stan and Cindy spent the winters in Ft. Myers Beach, FL for 37 years. He lived to deer hunt, which he did until he was 82 years old.

Stan was a life member of the North Webster American Legion, Past Commander of the New Haven American Legion, and a life member of the Syracuse VFW.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Cindy, 2 daughters; Valerie Harper of Port Charlotte, FL and Shelly (Denny) Corl of Syracuse, 1 son; J.K. Harper of San Francisco, CA, 1 granddaughter; Ashley Harper of Port Charlotte, FL

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister; Mary Elaine Rickard, 4 brothers; George E., James Keith, Bruce M., and Homer H. Harper.

A graveside service will be 11:30 am, Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Milford; Pastor Mike Smith of Ft. Wayne will officiate along with Military Honors by The United States Navy and North Webster American Legion Post 253.

Memorial contributions may be given to Visiting Nurse Hospice Home or Riley Hospital for Children, in care of Mishler Funeral Home, 461 West 900 North, Milford, IN 46542.