Col. Edwin “Ed” Harper

Col. Edwin 'Ed' Harper, of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, died on Friday, February 14, 2014 at the age of 93. Loving husband of Jane F. Harper (nee: Mattern); dear son of the late Frank and Vera Harper; devoted father of Deborah "Debbie" (Al) Espin and step-father of Karen (Al Gonzalez) Weidemann and Katherine Mansfield; cherished grandfather of Beth Lomas, Christopher Hoel, Gretchen Peck, Nathan Hoel, Kristen Morgan, Eric Weidemann, and Bobby Ruppert; treasured great-grandfather of 7; and father-in-law of Craig (Debbie) Hoel. He is preceded in death by his daughter Diane Merry Hoel, first wife Adolyn Louise Harper, son Christopher Lee Harper, and step-son Jim Mooney.
Col. Harper was a highly decorated officer and recipient of two Purple Hearts who bravely and proudly served in the USMC during WWII and continued his service for 28 years. He was also the last surviving member of the Black Sheep Squadron, VMA 214, and was a member of the Golden Eagles, which is reserved for Naval Aviators. After retiring from the Marine Corps, he joined Boeing as the VP and General Manager of the Harrier Program. He was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
 Memorials may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America or the Salvation Army.
Inurnment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.