Paul Willard “Button” Harper, Jr., 65, a resident of Parsons, passed from this life Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at home surrounded by family.
Button was born Friday, June 19, 1953, in Parsons, a son of the late Paul Willard “Sweetie” Harper, Sr. and Carol J. Propst Harper.
Left to cherish Button’s memory are five children, Thomas Allen Bennett, Jr., of Romney, Ryan Paul Harper, and wife Laura of Minneapolis, MN, Shannon Kelly Harper of Katy, TX, Adrianne Shane Harper of Culloden, and Kellan Patrick Harper of Parsons, two sisters, Paula Jean McDonald and husband, Artie of Kerens, and Betty Lynn Pullins and husband, Stu, of Columbus, OH, three brothers, Larry Allen “Mike” Shaffer and wife Brenda, Richard Russell Harper and wife, Pam, and Joseph Allen Harper all of Parsons, six grandchildren, Hadley Shane Harper Addis, Garrett Andrew Harper Addis, Legend Day Harper, Liam Ryan Harper, Terryian Mae Harper, and Finley Laura Harper and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Button in death besides his parents was the love of his life, Terry Ann Day Bennett, one brother and sister-in-law, Elmer Pat Shaffer and wife Becky, one niece, Rachel McDonald, and one great-nephew Jarrett Davis.
Button had attended the schools of Tucker County. A well-known auto body repairman, he had worked with his father, Paul Sr. “Sweetie”, at Harper’s Auto Repair and with his brothers, Richard and Joe, at Bonner’s Body Shop. He had also obtained his insurance license and worked for Combined Insurance for ten years. He also enjoyed wood-working, relaxing at the river, and spending time with and chatting with his kids and grandchildren.
His favorite past times were rockin’ to AC/DC, watching cars continually turn left (NASCAR), watching men and women beat on each other in the octagon (UFC), drinking way too many energy drinks, and figuratively putting a boot in his grandchildren’s butts. With a quick wit and that flash of a grin, he could engage anyone he met. He had a big heart and often helped people without drawing attention to himself. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Button’s request for cremation will be honored. The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. The Hostetler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Paul Willard “Button” Harper, Jr. Send online condolences to the family at www.hostetlerfuneralhome.com.
