Gerald Harper

Gerald C. "Jerry" Harper, age 84, of Lawrenceville, IL passed away Sunday, September 2, 2012 at his residence. He was born July 2, 1928 in Danville, IL, the son of Bruce Andrew and Opal A. (Clester) Harper. He married Beverly Angell on March 30, 1952 and she survives. Jerry's working career began with J.C. Penney where he worked as manager in Centralia and Lawrenceville for 20 years. He owned and operated The Gallery of Women's Fashion in Lawrenceville for 14 years. Jerry also worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs where he served as Veterans Service Officer from 1990-2011. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. Jerry was a member of First United Methodist Church since 1964. Other memberships include American Legion, Moose and the Elks where he was a member for 50+ years. His civic career included Mayor of the City of Lawrenceville from 1977-1997 and received the Tri-State Mayor of the Year award in the mid-1980s. He was on the Zoning Board of Lawrenceville City, City Police Commissioner for five years, Alderman in Ward 3 for five years, Unit #20 Board of Education, Lawrence County Industrial Council where he served three times as Chairman, Past President of Rotary, Finance Chairman of the Lawrence County Memorial Hospital Board and served on the board at the United Methodist Village. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Survivors include his wife, Beverly, of Lawrenceville; one son Michael Harper of Greenfield, IN; one daughter Lori (Paul) Melchi of Savoy, IL, and two grandchildren Christopher Harper and Kelsey Gregg. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM Thursday at the funeral home. A private burial will be in Lawrenceville City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Lawrence County Memorial Hospital Surgical Center with envelopes available at the funeral home.