Harper, Gerald

Gerald Harper

Services: Have been held.

Mr. Gerald H. “Jake” Harper, 82, of Grady, died Friday, April 1, 2005, at his home.

He was born on Dec. 13, 1922, in Curry County, to John Henry and Maggie Belle Moss Harper.

He married Fairene Weeks on July 26, 1947, in Clovis.

He attended school and graduated from Grady. He was a World War II Army infantry veteran, serving in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. He farmed in Curry County, worked for Grady schools, was manager for Continental Grain in Grady, and served as Mayor of Grady. He was an avid Quarter Horse Breeder throughout his life, and won numerous racing and breeding awards, family members said.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bill Harper.

Survivors include six daughters, Janis Rowe (and, husband, Mike) of Ruidoso, Jakie Masters (Frankie) of Grady, Vicki Bunch (Bill) of Grady, Ricki Read (J. Dee “Rusty) of Las Vegas, N.M., Judy Whitehead (Wade) of Tucumcari and Monti Pogue (Bubba) of Eastland, Texas; 19 grandchildren, Lee Thomas, Joeli Cathey, Bert and Jason Sherwood, Chris and BJ Masters, Clint and Kyle Bunch, Fairann Long, Quail, Brooks and Taylor Read, Jami and Clay Whitehead, Audra Leighton, Pecos, Jacob and Acy Pogue; 26 great-grandchildren, a great great-grandchild, three brothers, and three sisters.

Arrangements are by Steed-Todd Funeral Home of Clovis.