Obituary: Virgil Gene Harper

December 5, 1943 – June 23, 2023

Virgil Gene Harper, 79, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2023, with family by his side, at The Villages at Oak Ridge in Washington, Indiana.

He was born on December 5, 1943, to Floyd E. and G. Lucille (Clagg) Harper. He was the firstborn of five siblings. He suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for several years and was seriously ill for two months.
Virgil loved playing golf, surfing the internet, and cutting and splitting firewood. Nothing made him happier than to make a fire in the wood stove in the winter to keep the house warm-even though the house had central air and heat.

Virgil was past Commander of the American Legion Post 120 in Loogootee, past Adjutant of the Loogootee VFW Post 9395, member of the Indiana Freemasons, Elnora Lodge # 616, and member of the Moose and Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Virgil married the love of his life, Wanda (Sims) Harper on August 17, 1975. They had two sons, Severn (Julia) Harper and Justin Harper, both of Loogootee. He has several nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and one great-grandson. His siblings are, Patricia (Jim) Ziegler of Effingham, Illinois, Carolyn Sue (Jim) Clay of Ft. Wayne, Dennis (Kaye) Harper of Paxton, Illinois, and Gaylynn (Oliver) Arvin of Shelburn, Parents-in law are Albert and Luella Sims of Odon.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Gavin D.K. Harper son of Justin Harper.

Cremation was chosen with no services at this time, but a gathering will be held in the future.

Cresthaven Funeral Home is entrusted with his care.