Dale Leon Harper

Harper, Dale Leon, 66, passed away Saturday August 7, 2010 with family by his side. After a courageous four-year battle with Stage IV colon cancer, he is now resting with his heavenly Father. Born October 29, 1943 in Wichita, KS, he was the son of Alma (Oklahoma City) and the late Ray E. Harper. He was raised on a farm near Rose Hill, KS where he met his wife of 45 years, Connie Dowers. Dale graduated from Rose Hill High School, Class of 1961, earned his BS from Friends University in 1965 and received his MA in Education Administration at Wichita State University in 1987. Before retiring as principal of Bluestem High School (1991-2004), Dale taught at Elmdale (1965-67), also taught/coached at White City (1967-69) and Rose Hill High Schools (1969-87), and was principal of Stafford High School (1987–91). He returned to teaching and coaching in August 2004 at Norwich High School and retired May 2010. Dale was a son, husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, woodworker and devout Christian. Dale is survived by his wife, Connie; five children, Mandi Foltz (Mike) of Fayetteville, AR, Britton Harper (Courtney) of Andover, KS, Chad Harper (Katie) of Dallas, TX, Nathan Harper (Kasey) of Las Vegas, NV, and Adam Harper (Rachel) of Dallas, TX; nine grandchildren; mother, Alma Renna Harper; two brothers, Thomas Raymond Harper (Vivian) of Oklahoma City, OK, William Lee Harper (Janet) of Fort Worth, TX; two sisters, Oma Schrag (Dan) of Colorado Springs, CO, Alma Gay Gunter (James Dennis) of Newalla, OK; and many nieces and nephews. Viewing is Friday, August 13, 1-8 PM and with family 6-8 PM at Smith Mortuary 1415 N Rock Road, Derby, KS. Memorial services: 2 PM, Saturday, August 14, at Rose Hill Christian Church, 314 N Rose Hill Road, Rose Hill, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for a scholarship to be established.