Gene Harper lost his valiant battle due to complications of Covid-19.  Son of the late Clarence and Emma Harper of West Liberty, he was born August 8, 1939 in West Liberty, Kentucky. On September 10, 1958 he married Opal Lykins of Cannel City, Kentucky, and to this union was born a son, Ricky Harper, and a daughter, Lori Harper.

Gene traveled the world as a Soldier. He loved "living" history first hand and meeting people from all over the world. Soldiering through life he obtained his military and commercial pilot's license, a goal and ambition he had as a young man in school. During his military career, he served at a multitude of installations including, England, Germany, Korea, two tours to Bangkok, Thailand, and a tour in The Republic of Vietnam as a Dust Off pilot. He culminated his career as a Chief Warrant Officer at Fort Knox, Kentucky to retire with 21 years' service. Among his Awards were the Bronze Star Medal, 13 Air Medals, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Gene was an extraordinary man who was liked by many and left a lifelong impression on the hearts of all who came into contact with him.

Preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Emma Harper,  wife, Opal Lykins Harper, daughter, Lori Harper,  brother, Robert Harper, and sister, Loretta Falconbury.

He  leaves to mourn his passing: Son and daughter- in- law Rick and Val Harper, four granddaughters: Allison Harper, Lindsey Winchester, Samantha Codney, and Veronica Pool, great grandsons:  Aiden Reeves, Lucas Metcalf, and Toby Paul,  four sisters: Patty Perry, West Liberty, KY, Sue Burris, Georgetown, OH, Deborah Haney, Cannel City, KY, Connie Haney, Cannel City, KY, a brother William Harper, Malone, KY, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In keeping with his wishes, Gene has been cremated and interred at the Lykins family cemetery in Cannel City, Kentucky beside his loving wife Opal.