Robert Harper

Robert "Neal" Harper 78, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2010 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Nov. 3, 1931 in Osage City, Kansas to C.N. "Nolan" and Mildred (Morse) Harper. He was a 1949 graduate of Osage City High School.

He married Norma Jean Briggs, April 19, 1952 in Osage City, KS. He is survived by his wife of 58 years; daughters, Marcia (Harold) Durkes, Karen (Ken) Fink; son, David Neal (Cindy) Harper; six grandchildren, Brandon (Audra) Durkes, Kristi Durkes (Brandon) Bremer, Brad (Liesel) Fink, Nola Fink (Ryan) Weyrauch, Ryan Neal Harper, and Mark Harper and 9 great grandchildren, Dawson and Ariah Durkes, Makayla, Makenzie, Mia and Blake Bremer, Grayson and Payton Fink (Clayton Neal Fink – expected in June)and Kaelyn Harper. His only brother William "Duane" Harper preceded him in death March 1, 2004.

Neal joined the Martin Tractor Company family in Topeka, (Caterpillar Dealer) in 1952. During his career at Martin Tractor he held various positions including Service Manager, General Parts Manager, Training Director, 401k Plan Trustee, Vice President of Parts and later V.P. of Human Resources. He served for 42 years, retiring in 1993. After retirement he continued as 401K Plan Trustee, Trainer and Consultant.

Neal served on Advisory Boards at several vocational schools in Kansas. He received the Carl Perkins Humanitarian Award by the Kansas Vocational Association. This award recognizes people who made outstanding contributions to the improvement, promotion and development of state and national vocational and technical education.

He took a two year leave of absence from Martin Tractor when he was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Ft. Eustis, VA with the Transportation Corps from 1952 – 1954.

Neal and Jean joined the Westminster Presbyterian Church Dec. 15, 1963, where he served on many councils and committees as well as serving as a Deacon and Elder.
He was a member of the Swinging Squares, Square Dance Club for 25 years. He was also a member of the Lebo Masonic Lodge #152.

He had a passion for traveling, camping, square dancing, collecting Caterpillar memorabilia and above all spending time with his friends and family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend and will be missed dearly.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1275 SW Boswell, Topeka, KS 66604. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Mr. Harper will lie in state after 5 p.m., Tuesday at the church where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family.