Lonnie Benson Harper

Lon Harper loved to read, had an eclectic taste in music, loved old cars, had a fine mind for trivia, enjoyed great food—both cooking and eating. Lon seldom met a stranger and kept those people important to him close by frequent phone conversations, especially if some time had elapsed since personal contact. Lon’s quick wit provided much laughter and was often self-focused and easily shared and enjoyed by all.

Surrounded by family and friends, Lonnie B. Harper of Grain Valley, Missouri, passed on November 4, 2018, at the age of 79 years. Born on April 9, 1939, in Santa Rosa, Missouri, Lon grew up in Hamilton, Missouri. He provided a helping hand at the gas station operated by his father and learned how to meet his father’s expectations by fueling the cars, washing car windows, and keeping the driveway clean and clear. His love of eating, cooking, and entertaining came from his mother’s example as she always greeted family and guests with the questions of “Have you eaten? What can I fix for you?”

Lon’s passion for music began in his youth; his first instrument was a trumpet. His musical ability earned him a scholarship to Northwestern University near Chicago; however, he attended Central Missouri State College; Warrensburg, Missouri, majoring in music and, ultimately, graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 1962. In 1960, while attending CMS, he was standing in line to get his textbooks. Fortunately, a friend Becky Ellingson was also in line and introduced Lon to Mary, and on June 9, 1963, Mary became Lon’s wife.

Lon and Mary moved to Grain Valley the day they were married. Two days later, he reported to Montgomery Ward at the Blue Ridge Mall to continue his management training. He left that position to work for Bendix. Subsequently, Lon’s other jobs focused on transportation. He finally retired from his courier job in December 2017.

Lon knew he was blessed to be the father of Travis Harper who also shared his father’s love of music. Lon was a positive, intelligent, and supportive parent who taught his son how to drive a stick shift, how to cook a great steak, and how to be an upstanding young man of whom his father was very proud.

Lon was a very active, capable, and caring individual who gave back to the community. He served as a Grain Valley school board member for nine years. He was a member and served as president of the Grain Valley Historical Society. He also was a member of FOCUS, a service organization promoting Grain Valley ,and was a Free Mason for more than a decade. He was a lifelong member of the Methodist church. He worshipped at Faith United Methodist where he enjoyed the fellowship and singing of the congregation.

Lon is survived by his wife, Mary; his son, Travis (Julie), and grandson Luke Harper of Ballwin, Missouri; his brother, Bob (Helen) Harper of Hamilton, Missouri; his sister, Judy (Jerry) DeSalme of Holden, Missouri; his sister-in-law, Ardyce Shipman of Oak Grove, Missouri; three nephews; five nieces; eleven great nieces and nephews; and one great-great nephew. He was preceded in death his parents Ben and Deloris Harper.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at Faith United Methodist Church; 1950 SW Eagles Parkway, Grain Valley, Missouri. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. with service following at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Lon with a contribution to Faith United Methodist Church or Truman Heartland Foundation, (memo) Grain Valley Education Foundation; Grain Valley Schools-Attention: Jerry Vaughn; P.O. Box 304; Grain Valley, Missouri 64029.