John Philip Harper, 51, living most of his life in Peculiar, MO and the last several years in Branson, MO died Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Overland Park Regional Hospital.  A Celebration of Life was held June 1 at Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville, MO. Contributions may be sent to The Special Olympics of Missouri (somo.org/tribute).

John was born November 22, 1966 at Olathe KS Hospital, the son of Don and Sheryl (Garten) Harper.  John graduated from Briarwood State School, Harrisonville, MO in 1988.

John's birth was very difficult and he was not expected to live throughout the night – the doctor's only gave him a 5% chance of survival. As frail as he was, he proved to be a fighter along with his parents.  Daddy turned John over to the Lord that night and promised they would take care of him for the rest of their lives.  John was a very special blessing to his entire family.  He was a beautiful baby and so small.  He fit in an infant seat for many years and lifted his head, on his own, at the age of 2.  John learned how to walk at school – prior to that he scooted on his bottom using his arms and legs and moved swiftly from one place to another.  John was an athlete; he competed in the wheel chair race at the Special Olympics where he stood behind the chair and pushed it all the way to the finish line.  The following year he competed in the 100 yard dash and softball throw.  Not only was he an Olympian, he enjoyed attending sports games and watching sports on TV.  He would go with the family to watch his brother Donnie and Uncle Mark Garten play high school basketball.  He always tried to get out on the court after the game ended to play basketball himself.  He loved to watch the Chiefs and Royals; his favorite television superhero was the Hulk.  One of his most favorite things to watch on TV was wrestling where he pretended he was a wrestler (he had some amazing moves).  During Daddy, Mother, and John's years at Branson they would attend the College of the Ozark's basketball games and tournaments.  John looked forward to attending these games where he was a superstar.  He received much attention from the coach, players, and people that sat around him.  John was a blessing to so many people; little did he know the impact he had on others.  He had a pure heart, beautiful blue eyes, a smile that would make you smile, honesty abounded in him, and a deep love for his family.  Our lives have forever changed, our hearts have a hole, and we will always miss our brother, our blessing, and a son that was the most incredible person.  We love you so much John.

John is survived by his parents, Don and Sheryl Harper of Branson, 2 sisters and 3 brothers; Don Harper Jr. and his wife Julie of Hutchinson, KS; Jonalin Witt and her husband Larry of Raymore, MO; Sherri Catron of Harrisonville, MO; Jeff Harper of Raymore, MO; and Tim Harper and his wife Janet of Fort Scott, KS; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.