Birth date: Aug 12, 1952 Death date: Sep 20, 2015
Rick Clay Harper, age 63, of Moravia, Iowa passed away Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, Iowa. He was born August 12th, 1952 in Bloomfield, Iowa, to Deverre Harper and Mattie Mills. He graduated f Read Obituary
I have too many memories to count. Rick and I were cousins, nearly the same age. We grew up together. I have wonderful memories of all the major holidays Christmas Day at Grandma Harper's, Easter egg hunts, 4th of July fireworks at Rick's house, Thanksgiving dinners. I also remember riding ponies and bikes together, playing in the giant sandpile at Grandpa's lumberyard, playing games, playing with Rick's train set, and Tonka toys in his front yard. I remember going to his Little League baseball games, and riding to Texas in the backend of a station wagon. I remember Rick coming to get me in Kirksville when my dad died, and I remember him sitting in my mom's house with tears running down his face when his dad died. We were together through good times and bad, all during our growing-up years. I love you Rick, and will miss you. I am glad you were my cousin. Posted by Pam Andrews - Newton, IA - cousin September 20, 2015
Rick made everyone feel like family. Sorry to lose a great man so soon. Posted by Eric Sayre - San Antonio, TX - Friend September 21, 2015
What a great guy! I worked for Rick 30 years ago at Harper's Landscaping in Centerville. Needless to say we had more fun than anything else. You will be missed. Posted by Merle Jones - Keokuk, IA September 21, 2015
Hoop, I first met you in January of 1995, when you came to my house to see if I was interested in singing for your band, Hired Guns. What a ride we had!! Opening for .38 Special... Jeff taking me out for my birthday, and we wind up in West Grove with a flashing road sign in your bedroom... (The Boys Are Back, The Boys Are Back LOL)... several Fat Ride shenanigans... several 4th of July celebrations at The Hut... and who can forget the Butterface Incident LMAO!! I am going to miss you so much!! Thank you for being my friend... for being someone that my sons could look up to... thank you for just being YOU. Until we meet again... Posted by Johnny Whicker - Ottumwa, IA - Friend September 21, 2015
Shared many a car ride, baseball game and numerous other activities not to be mentioned here. Rick was a great friend, classmate and drummer. He will be surely missed by family and friends. Rest in Peace my friend. I shall see you again someday! Went to many a dance in my younger days when Syndrome of Soul were playing. I always enjoyed watching Rick play the drums. He was pretty damn good! Posted by Mike Ritter - Omaha, NE - Classmate 1970 September 21, 2015
A wonderful guy that was taken to soon. I'll never forget the many times he escorted me out of the bar when I was under age. Then he'd laugh about it the next time he saw me. I'm sure my dad and Rick are enjoying a cold one together now. Rest In Peace. Posted by Alyssa Cossel - Unionville, IA - Friend September 21, 2015
Rick you have touched so many lives in a positive way. We never told you enough how much we appreciated you. Your life was to short but you accomplished much. RIP and know you are missed. Heaven got a winner when they got you. Miss you. Brenda Posted by Brenda Hoffman - Moravia, IA - friend September 21, 2015
At the last Monterey Auction Rick and I said our usual bs and I always had a new joke for him. This time it was a joke about him. Hey Rick, I was reading a Western book yesterday that mentioned you in the story. They said a lady had run away with the local drummer. He always enjoyed my jokes and his stories were pretty darn good, and usually true. Well I guess we can't bid against each other now. Rich mentioned wanting to get that old car out of that corn crib south of West Grove to maybe fix up and sell. Perhaps there's a car person out there that could buy it and fix it up to sell as Rick wanted. Posted by Danny Smith - Bloomfield, IA - Friend September 21, 2015
