Russell L. Harper

Russell Leroy Harper joined his beloved wife Janice in heaven Wed., Sept. 6, 2023.  Russ was born 6/30/1934 in Dresden, OH to Roy & Doris (Swope) Harper.  On 6/26/1953, Russ made the best decision of his life and married his beloved “Creager girl” Janice Creager.  They had 70 wonderful years together.  In that time, they raised 3 wonderful children, Jeffrey Allan (deceased), Cheryl (Randy Bailey) of McConnelsville, Greg (Jackie) Harper and his only grandchild, Devon, all of Texas.  During his life, Russ wore many hats.  He was a member of the Malta United Methodist Church where he served numerous rolls including past pastor and singing in the choir.  Teacher, Minister, asst. principal but his most beloved position was being a coach.  Russ coached baseball and football.  In 1973, he was name SEO Football Coach of the Year and is a member of the Morgan Athletic Football Hall of Fame.  One of his favorite sayings to his teams was “Morgan Football is spelled P-R-I-D-E”.  Russ was known for being a strong advocate of/for mental health, drug and alcohol abuse and people with developmental disabilities.  Russ served on the board of each for many years.  He also received the “Friend of 4-H” award for his participation in developing the 4-H horse riding therapy program. Russ is survived by his children and grandchild, a sister-in-law Jean (Mike) Coffey of Blue Ash, and Shirley Creager of Washington Courthouse.  Many nieces and nephews with whom he was very close to.  He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice and son Jeffrey.  Siblings, Larry Harper and Carole Haislett.  His brother-in-law, William “Bill” Creager.  Services will be held on Sat, Sept. 9, 2023 at 12:00 P.M. at the Malta United Methodist Church with burial following in the Meigsville Cemetery.  Friends may call on the family from 10-12:00 P.M. on the day of the services.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Shriver’s Hospice Foundation, PO BOX 343, Zanesville, OH  43702, or electronically on their website.  To send a note of condolence to the family go to www.matheneyfh.com.

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