ENID - The funeral for Gene Edward Harper, 71, of Buffalo, will be 2 p.m. today, Feb. 16, 2010, at First Baptist Church, Buffalo. Pastor Jerry Hodges will officiate. Burial will be in High Point Cemetery , Buffalo. Arrange-ments are by Wilkinson Funeral Service, Buffalo. He was born Jan. 18, 1938, in Buffalo to Arthur Frances "Buck" Harper and Frances Barbara Prophet and died Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at Harper County Community Hospital, Buffalo.
He was raised and educated in Buffalo.
He married Gayle Maxine "Judy" Crowl July 22, 1956, in Arnett.
He was drafted into the Army in 1960, serving two years as a medical corpsman, followed by four years in the reserves. He attained the rank of tech sergeant. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Expert Badge (Carbine) and Expert Badge (Rifle M1).
Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Buffalo, where he worked as a carpenter building many homes in the community. He later went into the restaurant business with his parents. In 1978, he became a co-owner of Harper's Cafe, operating it for 21 years. He retired and sold the business shortly after its 50th anniversary.
Surviving are his wife, Judy, of Buffalo; one daughter, Patti Harper of Weatherford; one son, Greg Harper of Buffalo; one brother, Les Harper of Buffalo; one sister, Pat Lauer-Stinson of Buffalo; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one brother and a sister.
Memorials may be made through the funeral home to Buffalo Alumni Association or the charity of donor's choice.
Condolences may be made at www.wilkinsonfuneralser vice.com.