Dr. Melvin A. Harper, 99, of Elyria, passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at EMH Healthcare, following a brief illness. He was born July 14, 1913, in Elyria, and was a lifelong Elyria resident.
Dr. Harper was an Optometrist in Elyria for more than 50 years, retiring in 1986. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, for which he received the Purple Heart Medal. He was a 1931 Elyria High School graduate and a graduate of the Northern Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Harper was also a Past Commander and Adjutant of American Legion Post 12 in Elyria, a member of V.F.W. Post 1079 in Elyria and the Oberlin Golf Club. He wintered In Brownsville, Texas, where he volunteered at the Palo Alto Battlefield. Survivors include his daughters, Mary Beth (Philip) Jaeger of Vermilion and Barbara (Dennis) Unger of Marblehead; son, David (Karen) Harper of Grafton; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary (nee Brown) Harper in 1987; second wife, Eleanor (nee Beal) Harper in 2008; sister, Dorothy Carr; and brother, Norman Harper.
The family will receive friends Friday, September 14, 2012, from 10 A.M., until the time of services at 12 Noon, at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. The Reverend Chuck Behrens will officiate. Burial will be at Brookdale Cemetery, Elyria, where members of V.F.W. Post 1079, will conduct full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 74924, Cleveland, OH 44194-4924.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com.
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