Ronald D. Harper, 74, of Fort Madison, Iowa died Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, Fort Madison. He was born November 27, 1946, a son of Harry "Jay" and Hazel "Eileen" (Watson) Harper. On October 23, 1966, he married Carol Thornburg. She survives.

Ron was a 1965 graduate of Harmony High School. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the West Point American Legion Holtz-Geers Post 668. He was a meat cutter. His first job was at his parents grocery store, Jay and Eileen's, in Hillsboro, Iowa. He later worked at John's in Farmington and finished his career at HyVee, retiring as the Market Manager after 38 years. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and fishing. He had a great sense of humor and was always ready to help a neighbor or friend. Ron loved and was proud of his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Harper of Fort Madison; his mother, Hazel Eileen Harper of Fort Madison; two children, Jeffrey (Melissa) Harper of Edinburg, Texas and Pamela (Tim) Haack of Rochester, Minnesota; sisters and brothers-in-law: Judy Harper of Rochester, Minnesota; Karen (Dwight) Stanley of Hillsboro; Stanley (Anna) Thornburg of Franklin, Iowa; and LeRoy (Linda) Thornburg of Bonaparte, Iowa; two grandchildren, Blake and Hailey Haack; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Merlin Harper.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 am Monday, September 20, 2021 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison. His funeral service will follow and begin at 11:00 am Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Les Featheringill officiating. Burial with full military rites will be at Keokuk National Cemetery, Keokuk, Iowa. A memorial has been established, contributions may be mailed to or left at Barr Memorial Chapel, 1919 Ave F, Fort Madison, Iowa 52627. Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Harper family.