Richard LeRoy Harper, age 84, resident of rural Devon, Kansas, died Friday, August 15, 2008, at Fort Scott Mercy Health Center. He was born April 6, 1924 near Devon the son of Harry Harper and Julia West Harper. Richard served in the United States Army during WWII stationed in Japan for two years. He was a 1942 graduate of Fort Scott High School. He married Mary Ellen Hite on October 29, 1944 at Arma, Kansas. Richard was still active as farmer/stockman on his farm at the time of his death. Richard began his political career working for Orvan Hessong in the County Assessors office for two years. He was elected for two terms as Bourbon County Treasurer. Richard was first elected as a write-in and served in the Kansas Legislature as State Representative, 11th District, for 12 terms (24 years) from 1965 to 1989. He was a member of the Devon United Methodist Church; the Devon Masonic Lodge where he served as secretary for 48 years; Fort Scott Scottish Rite and the Mirza Shrine at Pittsburg. He also was past Worthy Patron several terms with the Violet Chapter No. 200 Order Eastern Star. He was a member of the Olson Frary Burkhart Post No. 1165 V.F.W. Richard and Mary Ellen were avid attendee's of the Saturday night Jubilee in Fort Scott.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ellen, of the home; one son, Gary William Harper and wife Margie, Kansas City, Kansas; two daughters, Linda Ann Harryman and husband John and Katherine Irene Johnson and husband, Billie Joe, all of Fort Scott; nine grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and several step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews including nephew Joe Harper, Fort Scott and niece, Peggy Finley, Joplin, Mo. Bob Galvin is his only living cousin. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Charles Melvin Harper; grandson, Benjamin Underwood; three brothers, Vern, Charlie and Bill Harper; and two sisters, Helen Duncan and Louise Fitzgerald.

Pastor Rick Hite assisted by Rev. Ron Brown and Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 20th, in the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Post No. 1165 V.F.W. Masonic services will be provided at the cemetery by the Fulton Masonic Lodge. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Fort Scott High School FFA, the Shrine Transportation Fund, or the Northeast Scott 4-H and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of comfort may be e-mailed to condolences@cheneywitt.com.