Robert Earl Harper of Grove, OK, formerly of Baxter Springs, KS passed away Friday December 5, 2014 at St. John’s Medical Center in Tulsa, OK. He was 74. Robert was born December 12, 1939 in Baxter Springs, KS to Clinton and Edith (White) Harper. He grew up in Picher, OK and graduated from Picher High School in 1957. He loved being a Picher Gorilla his entire life. Starting at a young age, Robert was very active in Boy Scouts of America. It was a love that he passed on to his sons. Bob, as he was always know at Camp Cherokee, continued to work at camp alongside his two boys as they followed in his footsteps becoming Eagle Scouts. Robert’s true calling in this life was in education. After teaching in Missouri a few years, Robert moved to Baxter Springs, KS to teach wood shop at the High School. Not long after that, he moved to Lincoln Elementary as the principal. Mr. Harper walked the hallways for the next 26 years. Robert loved children and made a difference in those who came into his life throughout his career. Robert married his love, Kay (Hamilton) Harper on February 16, 1968. They have been blessed with 46 years of a lasting love and Kay survives of the home. Additional survivors include their son Chad Harper and wife Carrie of Riverton, KS, son Craig Harper and wife Cassie of Grove, OK and a daughter Whitney Crawford and husband Bobby of Commerce, OK. He was also the very proud grandpa to Cayden Harper, Carley Harper, Sunny Crawford, Katy Crawford, Lainey Crawford, Kyler Harper, Noah Harper and Josie Harper. Other Survivors include his brother Leroy Harper and wife Ann of Tuitman, Texas, two nephews and three nieces. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Miami, OK. Rabbi Curt Landry and Pastor Tim Alsbaugh will officiate. Pallbearers will be Danny Garner, Bobby Garner, Clay Allen, Bob Pogue, Darrell Korf and Dale Workman. Interment will be in the G.A.R. Cemetery in Miami, OK. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Paul Thomas Funeral Home Chapel in Miami. Services have been placed in care of the Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK