Obituary of Harper H. Coleman

Harper Coleman, age 101, left us on February 16, 2024, to join Kathryn, his wife of 71 years who passed five years to the day before him. Harper was born and raised in and around Shippensburg Pennsylvania, growing up on a farm. As part of the greatest generation, he entered army service in 1942 and served in the 4th Infantry Division taking part in the first wave of landings at Utah Beach on D-Day. He continued on in the campaign to liberate Europe through the Battle of the Bulge where injuries from the cold and wet weather returned him to a hospital in England, eventually being discharged in 1945. After the war, Harpers first civilian job was in the newspaper business, (setting type), something he quickly decided wasn’t for him. He then began a long career with the U.S. Army Civil service, and a life that took him to Michigan and then Arizona in 1967. He and Kathryn found a home in Tucson, enjoying camping, fishing, and hiking, spending many summers in their second home in Pinetop. Raising three boys, Harper was an active volunteer leader in scouting earning many awards. In retirement he spent 20 years volunteering with the Tucson Police Department where he was awarded the Medal of Service, and at the Southern Arizona Veterans Healthcare Center, where he worked transporting patients until the age of 92. Throughout his life he maintained a dry sense of humor that was often seen only by those closest to him. Until the end he loved sharing a good story and he will be greatly missed, they don’t make them like this anymore. Harper is survived by sons Jeff (Aimee) and Richard (Rebecca), chosen daughter Barb (Rick) Collins, 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and many friends who brought him much joy. He is predeceased by his wife Kathryn, son Gary and his wife Janis. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Arizona Homestead on 18th Street who made Harper’s later time meaningful with dignity and exceptional care. A public memorial service will be held on March 8th, 2024, at 10:30 am at Fountain of Life Lutheran Church, 710 N. Kolb in Tucson, with interment being held March 26th, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 15950 N. Luckett Rd. Marana, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harper’s name to the National World War 2 Museum in New Orleans or the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.