Robert Earl DeWayne Harper

Robert "Bob" Earl DeWayne Harper was born August 8, 1939, at St. Anthony Hospital, in Oklahoma City. He passed away on Friday June 28, 2024, at St. Francis Hospital, with his sons by his side. His mother was Winifred Casey Harper. Bob's dad (Thaddeus S. Harper, Jr.) was killed in an auto accident six months before Bob was born. It was the first of several challenges Bob would overcome in his life. Bob was the youngest of eight. Their mother instilled in Bob and his siblings a strong work ethic and strength of character to overcome adversity. Although they did not have a lot growing up, Bob and his brothers mowed yards, delivered newspapers, raised rabbits, and other jobs, to earn money. When he was nearing the end of this 9th grade year, his family moved to Chandler, OK. Bob always said it was one of the best things that ever happened to him. The smaller environment allowed Bob to participate in sports (Football and Baseball), as well as Speech, Debate and Drama. Bob was especially grateful to his speech teacher, Mrs. Marvel LaGere, whose encouragement and support gave him self- confidence. The principal at Chandler High School (who was also the football coach), Mr. Shelby Wyatt, pulled Bob aside his senior year and encouraged him to go to college. Bob applied for an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and while he did not earn the appointment, he was 1st alternate. He ended up going to Central State University (UCO) in Edmond and graduated from Okla. City University. The whole time Bob worked to pay his tuition. In the fall of 1961 while walking through the Student Union at OCU, one of his professors introduced him to Charlie Doggett from the Travelers Ins. Company. He was on campus recruiting. Bob told him he had enlisted in the Navy and was leaving after the first of the year. He did, however, keep Charlie's business card. Bob served two years in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Saratoga. He was on board the Saratoga in October of 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his enlistment was up, he returned to Oklahoma City and reached out to Charlie Doggett. He interviewed with, and was hired by the Travelers Ins. Co. He was a field rep. and traveled the state calling on independent insurance agents. He and Charlie were friends for 60 years. After four years with the Travelers, Bob joined Alexander & Alexander (now called AON) as an insurance broker. He enjoyed the work but did not like working for a large corporation. He saw Jack Mandeville as they were leaving church and Jack invited him to come talk to Dick Teubner, Ed Bently and him about joining Rich & Cartmill. Bob began at Rich & Cartmill on Jan. 1, 1970. He would be there for 48 years. In that time, Dick, Ed, Jack, Bob and Ron McCullough laid the foundation for where Rich & Cartmill is today. They were strong advocates of the independent agency system and were always willing to share ideas with fellow independent agencies. Bob always felt R&C was more than just a place to work and talked often of the Rich & Cartmill Family. Up to the day he retired, he was always one of the first people to welcome a new employee to Rich & Cartmill. Bob worked with many special people at R&C but was particularly grateful to Ann Hopkins and Beverly Reichenberg for the assistance they gave his customers. Bob was transferred by the Travelers to Tulsa. In 1966 one of his roommates, John Gaberino introduced him to Jane Sherry. They were engaged a few weeks later. Bob always said he knew immediately that Janie was the right one. They were married for 21 years, raising two sons, John and Mike. They attended sporting and school events and spent many hours volunteering for their children's activities. They enjoyed hosting family and friends for picnics in their backyard. They took many family trips. Bob and Janie wanted their sons to have an appreciation for this great country. In the summer of 1986 Janie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She battled with great strength, dignity, and her unique sense of humor. She lost her battle on Feb. 15, 1987. Bob was the rock that held the family together through this most difficult of challenges. In time Bob started dating. He met some very nice ladies, but nothing really clicked until he was introduced to Barbara Snider by mutual friends Bill and Donna Ramsey in the fall of 1988. They were engaged a few months later. Bob and Barbara spent 31 years together hosting events for their blended family, traveling, and spending time with grandkids. Barbara passed on Nov. 21, 2020. A year ago, Bob moved into Trinity Woods Retirement Community. Change can be tough, but Bob absolutely loved it! Between the family and friends that he knew already there, and the new friends he met - he really enjoyed his time at TW. Bob was a strong believer in family. Both he and Janie were one of eight kids. There were no step children, adopted children, or foster children in our extended family - just family. "Uncle Bob" was a much beloved figure on both sides of the family. Uncle Bob may get on you from time to time, but he did it out of love, because he cared about you. He was interested in what his nieces and nephews were doing and what their plans in life were. He always said, "If I can make it, you can make it too!". Bob loved kids. He coached little league for his nephew Matt and his son Mike. He was a Scout leader, Chief of YMCA Indian Guides, and taught Sunday school. Bob loved the United States, and he loved Tulsa, OK. Whenever he would travel abroad, when asked how his trip went, invariably two of his first comments were: "It was great, but I am glad I live in Tulsa, OK", and "People in this country do not appreciate how fortunate we are." Bob taught insurance courses for many years. Some of the most popular were classes he taught with his good friends. Ken McGranahan and Bruce Schutte, at the annual Norman Ins. School. He also enjoyed playing tennis with Ken, Bruce, and Lee Inhofe, and later Roger Thomas and Bob Traband. They enjoyed the exercise, but also the refreshments after and their discussions about their families, and "solving the world's problems." Bob was Past President of the Independent Ins. Agents of Tulsa, the NE Okla. Chapter of CPCU and served as President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma in 1989-90. He held the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) professional designations. Bob had a reputation as a nice guy. It was well earned. He simply treated everyone the same. Bob had occasion to meet Governors, Senators, CEOs and Presidents of national insurance companies. They were all treated the same as the clerk at the grocery store or the waiter or waitress at a restaurant. Bob always felt fortunate to have met and interacted with people from many different backgrounds and all walks of life. Bob treated them all with kindness and his sense of humor. He never forgot where he came from. Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Jane Sherry Harper; his second wife, Barbara Ann Harper; His parents Winifred Casey Harper and Thaddeus Stevens Harper, Jr.; His stepfathers: Tommy Coleman, and Lowell King; His uncle George W. Casey; His siblings and spouses: Mercedes (Jim) Cook; Jackie (Jasper) Goodman; Neva (Tommy) Boyle; Ted (Anne) Harper; James (Betty) Harper; George Harper; Charles Harper. Several nieces and nephews, of which, Bob was particularly close to Jim (Genie) Cook and Billy Erker. He was also preceded in death by his in laws: William J. Sherry, father-in-law; Margaret Sherry, mother-in-law; Patty Sherry; Mary (Pete) Cassidy; Gene Sims; William J. Sherry, Jr.; JoAnn Sherry; Teresa Sherry. Bob is survived by and will be greatly missed by sons: John (Mara) Harper, Max Harper, Michael (Molly) Harper, Emma Raines; his in-laws: Rose Harper; Marge McNearney; Anne Erker; Richard (Trish) Sherry; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob's family would like to express their gratitude to the medical staff at Trinity Woods, the EMTs and firefighters of Station # 21, EMSA, and the doctors and nurses of St. Francis ER and ICU units. Through their quick action we had three more days with Bob and a chance to say goodbye. We will always be grateful. Services will be Friday July 12, 11:00 am, at the Church of St. Mary, 1347 E. 49th St., Tulsa, OK. Reception to follow in the church hall. The service will also be livestreamed at www.churchofsaintmary.com To honor Bob, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the Tuition Assistance fund at Bishop Kelley High School - 3905 S. Hudson; Tulsa, 74135. Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151

Robert Earl DeWayne Harper

August 8, 1939 - June 28, 2024