Harper B. Brown June 19, 1921 - August 30, 2016

Harper Brown went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 30, in the presence of family.

Harper Buford Brown was born in Gordonville, Grayson County, Texas to Harper Silas and Agnes May (Badgett) Brown. He was the second son and third child of six, growing up working on the family farm. After graduation from high school he worked in the local retail dry goods and clothing store in Levelland, Texas where the family moved when he was three. He served in the Army Air Guard in World War II for three-and-a-half years, spending two-and-a-half in the European Theater, taking part in the D-Day Invasion on Utah Beach.

On returning home, he worked in the local men's clothing store and dry cleaning. He married and moved to Eugene, Oregon, in 1947 where he continued in dry cleaning. He then worked as a carpenter in Portland and soon transitioned to starting his construction business which he maintained for many years.

Eventually he worked for the Oregon Veteran's Affairs Farm and Home Loan Division where the job took him to Bend in 1975. He purchased a working farm and returned to farming while continuing employment with the Veteran's Affairs. In 1979 he and two partners started Manzanita Properties Real Estate, which he retired from in 1988. In 1981, he and his wife, Frances, purchased a small acreage between Bend and Redmond where they both enjoyed the area and spectacular views of the Cascades every morning and the sunsets each night.

During his life, Harper was involved in local churches he was a member of, serving the people and God in many ways. He also was involved for many years in the Gideons International, Craftsmen for Christ, Rotary, and the Central Oregon Real Estate profession. His passion was always for his Faith, family, friends and most everything outdoors. He touched many people, showing a genuine concern for them and their spiritual well-being.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; one sister, Allie Mary; his son Thornton; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved greatly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister, and his elder son.

The service to celebrate Harper's life will be held at Tumalo Community Church Saturday, October 1, at 1 p.m.

Any gifts could be made to the Bend Chapter of Gideons International or Tumalo Community Church.