Douglas Jerome Harper

Douglas Jerome Harper, 78, of Kalamazoo, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 26, 2019 after a battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Doug had 2 great loves in his life - Sandy whom he was married to for over 50 years until she passed away in 2013 and Judy (Kobza) whom he married on June 14, 2015. He was the respected father of Kraig (Nancy) of Holland and Steve (Kristi) of Rockford and supportive grandfather of Jacob, Ashley, Brooke and Carson. He is also survived by his sister Jeanne (David) Van Eerden of Zeeland, his brother-in-law John (Irene) Cook of Dallas, TX, his aunts Esther Wheatley and June Baker, and special nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife Sandy, his parents Jesse and Melvina Harper, his siblings Melvin and Marilyn, and his parents-in-law Myron and Jean Cook.

Doug was born on December 26, 1940 in Otsego, MI. He was a man of integrity and loyalty in all he did, even becoming an Eagle Scout in his youth. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1962 and earned his masters from the University of Northern Iowa in 1968. He taught at various places in Michigan including Cassopolis High School, Northern Michigan University and Comstock High School, where he was named Regional Teacher of the Year in 1974. He transitioned to working as a chemist at The Upjohn Company (now Pfizer) from which he retired in 2000. Doug passionately served the Lord by discipling other men and diligently praying for others daily. He actively volunteered for The Gideons International, serving a term as State Chaplain. He organized and grew the Middle Upper Peninsula Gideons Camp and served in various capacities, including President, Treasurer, Chaplain and as a Gideon speaker. He served the Lord internationally as well with mission trips to Brazil and Ghana.

Piatt Lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was a very special place to Doug where he and Sandy, and later Judy, spent part of each year and enjoyed many wonderful friendships. He also appreciated spending the past few winters with Judy in Florida. He loved spending time with family and friends and traveling to different places all over the United States. His sons and their families are truly thankful for the care that Judy gave Doug, especially during this last year of his life.

Visitation will be held at the Westside Chapel of Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services (3926 S. 9th St. in Kalamazoo, MI) on Friday, June 28th from 2 to 4pm and from 6 to 8pm. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 29th at 11:00am at Berean Baptist Church (7813 S. 12th St. in Portage, MI) with Matt Zainea officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Doug's name to The Gideons International (www.gideons.org).