Michael
Gordon Harper, 73, Mission Hills, Kan., passed away September 22, 2014. He was
born Nov. 28, 1940, in Haven, Kan., to Evelyn and Orville Harper. He attended
Washburn University for two years where he pledged Phi Delta Theta fraternity
which proved a love and continuing focus throughout his life. He finished his
education at the University of Southern California. Professionally, he worked
for 18 years as U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum's State Director. He followed this
as Advisor to Ambassador Howard Baker of Tokyo, Japan. He will be remembered for
many things including his sense of humor, tearing up at the mere mention of Kate
Smith's rendition of God Bless America, long walks twirling a chain and
documenting, via video, nearly every aspect of his children's lives. He is
survived by his wife, Stephanie, sons, Todd (wife Laura, grandsons Noah and
Adam), Chris, and Doug and daughter, Angela and mother, Evelyn. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests donations be made to K.C. Phi Delta Theta Education
Fund (to be mailed to the funeral home) or The Children's Place, 2 East 59th
Street, Kansas City, MO 64113. A Celebration of Life will be held from 5 to 7
p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Mission Hills Country Club. Fond memories and
condolences for the family may be left at www.overlandparkchapel.com
Arr.: Overland Park Funeral Chapel, 8201 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66204
(913) 648-6224.
Michael Gordon Harper, 73, Mission Hills, Kan., passed away September 22,
2014. He was born Nov. 28, 1940, in Haven, Kan., to Evelyn and Orville Harper.
He attended Washburn University for two years where he pledged Phi Delta Theta
fraternity which proved a love and continuing focus throughout his life. He
finished his education at the University of Southern California.
Professionally, he worked for 18 years as U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum's State
Director. He followed this as Advisor to Ambassador Howard Baker of Tokyo,
Japan. He will be remembered for many things including his sense of humor,
tearing up at the mere mention of Kate Smith's rendition of God Bless America,
long walks twirling a chain and documenting, via video, nearly every aspect of
his children's lives. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, sons, Todd (wife
Laura, grandsons Noah and Adam), Chris, and Doug and daughter, Angela and
mother, Evelyn. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to
K.C. Phi Delta Theta Education Fund (to be mailed to the funeral home) or The
Children's Place, 2 East 59th Street, Kansas City, MO 64113. A Celebration of
Life will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Mission Hills Country
Club. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at
www.overlandparkchapel.com Arr.: Overland Park Funeral Chapel, 8201 Metcalf
Ave., Overland Park, KS 66204 (913) 648-6224. Overland Park Chapel,
913-648-6224, www.overlandparkchapel.com - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?pid=172604982#sthash.XEhvnz2Z.dpuf