Eugene Harper

South Bend, IN- Eugene Harper, born April 28, 1929 in South Bend, IN, passed away peacefully July 7, 2018.He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Detsyl Harper, of South Bend, IN and his brothers, Billy Gene, Larry, Jack and James.He is survived by his sister, Barbara Straughn; and his four nieces: Jackie Annis and Jami Hayes of Mishawaka, IN; Paula Straughn of Osceola, IN, and Brigitta Harper of Tucson, AZ.Eugene was a life-long resident of the area, living in Niles, MI and South Bend, IN. He graduated from the South Bend Public School System before entering the U.S. Army in 1951 and serving in the Korean Conflict. Upon completion of his military service in 1953, and receiving an Honorable Discharge, he sought and obtained employment with the Bendix Corporation, successfully completing a 30-year career, He retired in 1983.While in retirement, he was an avid outdoorsman and naturalist and spent most of his free time deer hunting, fishing, harvesting mushrooms, and enjoying wildlife. He was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching NASCAR, football and other sporting events.A Christian service, to celebrate his life, will be held Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Carl Bassett, officiating, Visitation will be from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Both the service and the visitation will be at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, enter off Cherry Rd. Interment and US Army Memorial Honors will follow at the Harper family plot located at the historic Riverview Cemetery, located on the banks of the St. Joseph River, South Bend, IN.