Robert S. Harper

Robert S. Harper, 84, of Benton Harbor, passed away Sunday July 6, 2008, at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday July 11, 2008 at Starks and Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph with Pastor Dan Scheid officiating. A private burial will be held by the family. Friends may call from 5:30 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. Thursday July 10, 2008 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home or St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mr. Harper was born April 14, 1924 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Raymond and Osalee (Goens) Harper. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1942. On March 3, 1943 he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army serving in both England and France. He was honored with many citations, including the European Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal and, a Victory Medal. He was discharged as a Sergeant on December 15, 1945. On February 1, 1946 Robert began attending Western Michigan University. On July 31, 1949 he married Diana Logan in Covert Michigan. Robert graduated Cum Laude in January 1950 with majors in accounting and mathematics. On February 1, 1950 Robert was hired by Twin Cities Container Corporation as an accountant. He became Vice President in 1957 and was made an Executive Vice President of Menasha Corporation ( the purchaser of Twin Cities Container) in 1961. He resigned in 1969 and started Majestic Post Corporation with partner Tom Litchford in Benton Harbor where he worked for many years. Majestic Post gave rise to Precision Post. Inc., of Marion Ohio; both companies made interior packaging for a host of customers including; Whirlpool, Roper, and Owens-Illinois. In 1974 he co-founded Bibco Incorporated, an electronics manufacturer, in Benton Harbor with partner William Lacy. Robert retired from all companies in 1984. In his spare time Robert enjoyed fishing, golfing, traveling, and was a member of Club 18. Most of all he loved spending time with family and friends. Mr. Harper is survived by his wife Diana Harper; one daughter Robin Porter of South Carolina; three sons Jan (Pam) Harper of Benton Harbor, Christopher Harper of Georgia, and Brett Harper of Benton Harbor; one nephew Donald (Skip) Harper of South Carolina; one niece MaNina Harper of New Mexico; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Donald R. Harper.