Larry Odell Harper

Larry Odell Harper, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on April 4th, 2026, at the age of 77.

Larry was born on May 13th, 1948, in Akron, Ohio, to Chester and Evelyn (Stratton) Harper. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War as a mechanic in Nuremberg, Germany. He married Judy Cooper in 1971, and they later moved to Colorado with their two children. While living in Colorado, Larry worked as a heavy equipment diesel mechanic, retiring from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Many years later, he returned to Ohio with his family.

Larry approached life with determination and grit, never shying away from hard work and always doing what was needed to care for his family; his work ethic was a defining part of who he was—steady, dependable, and rooted in a deep sense of responsibility and pride. Beyond his work, he found peace, joy, and purpose outdoors. An avid hunter, he felt most himself in the wilderness, visiting rivers and admiring the open skies, where patience, skill, and respect for nature guided him. He carried that same sense of freedom into his life—free-spirited, independent, and unafraid to walk his own path. Intelligent and meticulous, Larry knew a lot about a lot of things and little about nothing, and he had a remarkable ability to teach not only through words, but through example. Whether guiding his children, mentoring others, or sharing hard-earned wisdom, he left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to learn from him. Yet he was also a deeply complex man. Those who knew him understood that his strength coexisted with introspection, and that his journey was not always simple. He loved fiercely, even when that love was difficult to express, and his presence shaped the lives of his family in ways that will continue to unfold over time.

He is survived by his daughter Jennifer, and son-in-law, Jason Lopez; sister Polly Marshall; many cousins, brother-in-law Johnny (Jo) Cooper; sister- in-law Cindy (Tom) McKenzie; sister-in-law Becky (Rick) Fatica; brother-in-law Kenny (Annette) Cooper; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of loving friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Evelyn (Stratton) Harper, brother Danny “Boone” Harper, son Destry Harper, wife Judy Harper, and brother-in-law, Jeff Cooper.

He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, curiosity, and quiet devotion. His memory lives on in the lessons he taught, the paths he walked, and the lives he touched. He will be remembered always, with love.

He will be honored with military services on Friday, June 26th, 2026, at 11:15am, at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, Ohio 44273. For those wishing to attend, please arrive at the cemetery no later than 11:00 a.m. To leave a special message for Larry's family, please visit the guest book below.