HARPER, Eugene (Gene) Nelson

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ January 30, 2009 Beloved husband, stepfather, grandfather and uncle, Eugene "Gene" Nelson Harper died Jan. 23, 2009, at the age of 86. A true "cowboy," Gene was as strong and courageous in his last days as he was through his life. Gene grew up in Prescott and served in the U.S. Army during the WWII. He moved to Sun Valley where he worked and retired from the Painted Desert Petrified Forest National Park. He loved his simple life in Sun Valley, his wife of 29 years and his family and friends. He was an example to all on how to live with strength and dignity. He will be greatly missed and was loved by many. Gene is survived by his wife, Jessie, and three stepchildren; son Tony (Cheryl) Block, daughters Tabitha, Sandy (Tom) Carney, Alyssa and Pam (Richard) Lang and children Vince and Valerie; sister-in-law Roni Harper; nephew Chuck (Debbie) Harper; and nieces Sally (Pat) Bates, Jiminell (David) Cook, Perilee (Everett) Sharp and Jeannie (Brook) Andrews. Gene was preceded in death by his brother, Wallace Harper, and two stepdaughters, Kay Lawhorn and Susan Wilson. Services were held Monday, Jan. 26, at the Owens Livingston Mortuary, Holbrook Chapel. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Holbrook handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit at www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.