Dennis Nelson Harper

Dennis Nelson Harper of Frenchburg, KY passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025 at his home at the age of 90 years, 5 months and 13 days. He was born August 10, 1934 in North Vernon, Indiana, son of Bingham Nelson Harper and Thelma Jean Findley Harper. He attended many churches and was of the Baptist Faith. 

Dennis served from 1954-1958 in the US Army following the Korean War. After basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Quartermaster Training in Fort Lee, Virginia, he was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany , Ammunition NCO for the 371st Armored Infantry Battlion. After serving 18 months in Germany, he was chosen to be in the 7th CORE Honor Guard in Stuttgart, Germany, where he did protect at some point General Omar Bradley. The last six months he served as Military Police in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Morehead State University on the GI Bill, where he played on the university’s baseball team and completed a double masters degree in education. He held many jobs during his work career and retired from the Department of Transportation in Frankfort, KY. He loved playing golf, swimming in his pool, UK basketball, going for long drives. 

Surviving is his wife Rhea Peck Harper of Frenchburg, KY. Five children, Melanie Denise Fore (Frank), Michael Wade Elliott (Darlene), Kenneth Woodford Cox (Wanda), Donald Tracy Harper (Jenifer), Denita Joy Ray (Bobby). Nine grandchildren with special caretaker grandson Jason Cox, Ansley (Brad) Hart, Kimberly (Cam) Rosenfeld, Nicole Elliott, Bryan (Meranda) Cox, Ryan (Leslie) Cox, Jacquelynne Harper, Samuel (Sarah) Ray, Delaney Ray (fiancé Jake). Several great & great-great grandchildren. Brother Tommy Harper.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bingham Nelson Harper and Thelma Jean Findley Harper. Two grandsons Rex & Richie Harbour and three brothers Larry, Odell and Roy Harper.

Funeral services will be 1:00pm, Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Menifee Home for Funerals With Rev. Jimmy Daulton officiating. Burial in the Greenwade Cemetery, Frenchburg, KY (with military honors conducted by the Morgan Co. D.A.V. Chapter # 132 at graveside). Pallbearers are friends and family. Visitation, 11:00am, Sunday January 26th.at Menifee Home For Funerals, Frenchburg, KY. Randy Halsey, Funeral Director.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis Nelson Harper, please visit our floral store.