Clarence Harper, 72, Fishers, IN passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, November 8, 2018. He was born May 20th, 1946 in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Hattie Harper.
Clarence grew up in Gary, Indiana where he excelled highly in sports and academics, attending Calumet High School from 1961-1965. There he earned nine varsity letters in Football, Basketball and Track. Clarence attended Butler University where he earned three varsity letters as a Center on legendary Coach Tony Hinkle’s basketball team. Clarence earned his B.S. in Education from Butler and later obtained his master’s degree in Teaching from Ball State University in 1978.
Clarence was famously known as “Mr. Harper” or “Coach Harper” to the hundreds of students where he taught Physical Education at Muncie Community Schools for over 42 years prior to retirement in 2012. He truly had the gift of conversation and would give his last dollar if you needed it. His hobbies included reading, scrapbooking, spending time with friends at McDonald’s, family gatherings and scouting various sporting events. He always had his newspaper and clipboard at all times.
Clarence is survived by his wife Ethel of 48 years; son, Eric (Kimberly Ash), Las Vegas, NV; daughter, Kim Rayner, Indianapolis; five grandchildren, Ashley (Francis), Jordan, Eryq, Ennis, and Kayla Harper; six great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Jordan Jr., Saniya, Sariya, Naliyah, and Ari’elle; sister, Perlean Fizer; niece, Shalonda Harper; great nephew, Elin Underwood; close cousins, Leroy Harper, Kenneth Harper all of Gary, IN; and close friend, Guy Pierce of Muncie, IN.
He was preceded in death by his mother and several aunts and uncles.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 17th at 4 pm at Indiana Funeral Care & Crematory, Harry W. Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250.
Please come in Butler University attire preferably or gray, white and navy blue.
Lindsey says
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Clarence. The passing away of a loved one is always with much sorrow. May we have faith and confidence in the Bible’s promise of a time when pain, sickness and death are a thing of the past (Revelation 21:3, 4). My condolences are with the family at this difficult time.
(Coach) Chuck DeNeal says
Family of Clarence Harper, although you may not know me I felt moved to write. Clarence and I never formally met except on the basketball courts and football fields of Calumet and Griffith High Schools. If I would have lived on the other side of Colfax Ave. we would have been teammates instead of me going to Griffith and thus being opponents. We did run into each other a few times in the Muncie Area and shared a few light hearted conversations about who had the better team back in High School. I was a teacher and coach at Delta High School just outside of Muncie for 42 years. I would just like to say that I can attest to the quality Athlete he was in high school (and I followed his College Career also) and when we talked a few times post high school I became aware he was an even better person and man. May God bless you and may Clarence, an old opponent, rest in peace.
Wallace Byrd says
My deepest heartfelt condolences to the Harper family Mr. Harper was a teacher of mines at Longfellow & also a neighbor when I lived on Gavin a couple of blocks away! He was very instrumental in giving me several life lessons & a inspirational quote that I use with my daughter today! “There are no elevators to success…… so please take the stairs” Rest easy Coach until we meet again! May the Lord give u all perfect peace!
Dorthea Bass says
To the family of Mr. Harper, we the Bass and Steve Barnes Jr. family wish to share our love and sympathy for your loss. May GOD comfort your hearts as you say your final goodbyes. Trust GOD to carry you through. May the angels be with you all. Please tell Kim that Ms. Dorthea said hello. Love and prayers.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Barry Collier says
Dear family of Clarence Harper, I did not personally know Clarence, but I do know that he accomplished so much during his time at Butler University. He was recruited by and played for Coach Tony Hinkle and starred on the basketball team and also played football after his basketball playing days were over. His teammates speak of him with great fondness. What a full life he lived. A Bulldog forever. May he Rest In Peace. Barry Collier VIce President and Director of Athletics at Butler University.
Mary Serf-Nunn says
You have my deepest sympathy. I’m so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort with the passing of your loved one. God Bless the Harper Family. Love you Eric and Kim.
Laura Wyman says
I always admired “Mr. Harper”!! Growing up and attending the Muncie Schools this man was a good role model for kids! I am thinking Mr. Harper was my gym teacher at some point through my school years. Seen him around at Mcdonald’s on McGalliard all the time just loving being around folks. Yes…remember those newspapers and the clip board. I knew there was something special about this man but never knew his background as a young child or adult. Spoke to him a few times and just remembering him to be a sweet soul. God Bless the Harper family and so sorry for your loss. Heaven just got bigger. In Christian Love, Laura Wyman