Michael Allen “Mike” Harper was born February 10, 1940 in Sandusky, Ohio and departed this life on July 12, 2022 at his home in Greenwood, Missouri, at the age of 82 years, 5 months and 2 days.
He was the son of George O. and Daisy (Baker) Harper.
While still a young child, the Harper family moved from Ohio to the Independence, Missouri area. Mike attended William Chrisman High School.
On March 17, 1958, Mike joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country until March 16, 1962. Most of his time in the Navy, Mike served with the Military Police.
On March 18, 1961, Mike was united in marriage with Alice Faye Reeder in Oroville, California. After Mike’s honorable discharge from the Navy, Mike and Alice moved back to Missouri, living in Independence for a short while before moving to Raytown, Missouri. Mike and Alice lived in Raytown, Missouri until 1985 when they moved to their home in Greenwood, Missouri.
Mike’s lifelong dream was to own a motorcycle shop and in 1970 he realized that dream by starting the family motorcycle business, first opening Raytown Cycle Center, then becoming the founder, owner and operator of Harper’s Moto Guzzi, which has been in business for 52 years and still operating today.
Mike enjoyed traveling to motorcycle shows across the country. He also collected antique motorcycles and liked to do anything mechanical that had to do with their restoration. Mike was an avid animal lover. Over the years he rescued everything from dogs, birds, even coyotes if need be.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, George O. and Daisy Harper and one sister, Mary Alice Sellers.
He is survived by his wife, Alice F. Harper of the home; two sons, Jason Lee Harper of Holt, Florida and Curtis Dean Harper and wife Sherri of Blue Springs, Missouri; three grandchildren, Kala Harper, Cory Harper and Taylor Harper; two great-grandchildren, Raina and Sophia, other relatives and many friends.
Per Mike’s wishes, cremation has been accorded. The family of Michael Allen “Mike” Harper will receive friends on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Wallace Funeral Home, 422 N. Lake Street, Pleasant Hill, Missouri. A Memorial Service will follow visitation at 7:00 p.m. with Mr. Curtis Harper officiating. Full Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Navy and V.F.W Post #3118 Honor Guard of Pleasant Hill, Missouri immediately following the Memorial Service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Higginsville, Missouri at a later date.
The Family suggests contributions to an animal rescue group or sanctuary of your choice, “In Memory of Michael Allen Harper”.
4 Messages
Please accept my deepest condolences at the loss of your loved one.
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Michael Allen Harper, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Navy Veteran, Michael Allen Harper, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
was in the navy with mike in tenn. also lived in indep. and went to chrisman. will never forget the liberty trips home in mikes old chevy as he lived just off 23rd st and i lived on holke rd sorry for your loss
You have been a great neighbor and friend. I will never forget our visits and all the great stories, advice and laughs we shared. May you rest in peace.
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