Donald Gene Harper Sr., 88, formerly of Peculiar, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Freeman Hospital in Fort Scott, KS. A graveside service was held on Saturday, July 11, 2026,  at Wills Cemetery in Peculiar, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Special Olympics, Missouri, online at https://support.specialolympics.org/ or submit check to Special Olympics Missouri, Attn: Memorial Giving, 305 Special Olympics Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Donald was born on November 29, 1937, at the family home in Peculiar. He was the eldest child of Herb and Florence Harper. He married Sheryl Harper (Garten) on May 18, 1957, at the Harrisonville Baptist Church. They were blessed with six children: Donnie, Jonalin, Sherri, Jeff, John Philip, and Tim.

Donald lived most of his life in and around Peculiar and worked as a heavy machine operator helping build Crown Center and later an entrepreneur. He was a deacon at the Peculiar First Baptist Church and Pleasant Prairie Baptist Church.

Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sheryl Harper; sons, Jeffrey Harper and John Philip; his parents, Herb and Florence Harper; and his brother, Jerry Harper. Cherishing his memory are his surviving children: Donald Harper, Jr. (Julie) Hutchinson, KS; Jonalin Witt (Larry) Raymore, MO, Sherri Catron Harrisonville MO; and Timothy Harper (Janet) Fort Scott, KS; Jim Harper St. Petersburgh, FL; Vicki Coleman Raymore, MO; ten grandchildren: Amanda, Matthew, Laura, Ashleigh, Zach, Michael, Katie, Seth, Jonathan, and Shaydon – plus numerous beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.