Marvin E. Harper

Marvin E Harper Sr., 79, passed away on Tuesday, February 5, 2013, at home, surrounded by loving family and friends. Marvin was born on August 28, 1933 in Dallas, TX to Edward C. and Myrtle (Carroll) Harper. Marvin was a civil engineer and worked on many projects in Arizona, including the freeway from Flagstaff to Phoenix and Dead Horse Ranch State Park. He loved playing Santa Claus all over the Verde Valley during the holiday season, and brought joy and wonder to many Christmas gatherings, including churches, schools, retirement homes, the American Legion and the homes of friends and family. He was a longtime member of the Verde Valley Church of the Nazarene. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents and by his granddaughter Jennifer Weers. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Joanne; his sons, Marvin Harper Jr. of Georgia and Scott (Leann) Shepherd of Michigan; his Daughters, Cherri (Steve) Weers of AZ, Tina LeBleu of AZ, Billie Jo Randles of AZ and Beverly Riordan of AZ; his brother James (Gail) Harper of AZ; his sisters, Sue (Kevin) Sheets of AZ and Barbara Jean Bolton of AZ; 16 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Verde Valley Church of the Nazarene, 1710 ST RT 260 in Cottonwood at 10 AM. A potluck lunch reception will follow at American Legion Post 25, 480 S. Calvary Way in Cottonwood. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com