Vaughn Harper

Vaughn Dix Harper, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, slipped peacefully through the portals of Eternity, Dec. 16, 2015. At this sacred moment he was surrounded by his large, loving family. His “Doll Babe” Dolores, cherished sweetheart of 64 years, held his hand. First and foremost Vaughn loved his family. He always had time for them. He made sure that each of his children knew they were loved and valued, and later when he had grand- and great-grandchildren, they were each made to feel that they were his favorite. He is survived by his devoted companion Dolores Mitchell Harper, Children: Linda (Rod) Jenks; Colette (Kim) Blackham; Jody (Richard) Hansen; James (Robin) Harper; Thomas (Michelle) Harper; Lisa (Gary) Tanner; William Harper; and Joseph Harper. Another daughter, Brenda Tsosie, was reared by Vaughn and Dolores. Vaughn leaves 32 grandchildren and 62 great grandchildren. Vaughn was born 13 Dec. 1925, at home in Los Angeles, CA. His early years were spent in South Gate and Bellflower, CA. He attended Excelsior High School. Vaughn was grateful he was able to serve our country. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp during WWII. He trained to be a turret gunner on a B-17. He was also an MP and was charged with guarding German POWs. His tremendous love of country has been passed on to all of his posterity. After the war, he attended BYU as an Art Major on the GI Bill. When Vaughn met Dolores at a Stake Dance he knew she was ‘the One’. They were married and sealed 20 Dec. 1951 in the St. George Temple. Their beautiful marriage, their incredible loyalty, their sense of fun and adventure made an amazing life for their family. They were the perfect team. Vaughn loved the outdoors, and he took his children sailing on the ocean, water and snow skiing, camping in the mountains, and on long RV road trips stopping at every museum as he crisscrossed the nation. He loved art, history, vintage and racing cars, motorcycles and meeting new people. In addition to giving his children life experiences, he taught them the value of hard work. He, with Dolores started Harper Pest Control and moved to Placentia California in 1963. His business still continues today. Vaughn served as Ward and Stake Sunday School President, Ward Clerk, High Priest Group Leader First Assistant, and a faithful Home Teacher for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Vaughn and Dolores served a mission at the Independence, MO Visitors Center. Their 24 month mission was the pinnacle of their church service. Following their mission they moved to Parowan Utah. Vaughn loved living in a small town where there was no traffic, and never tired of watching the deer and wild turkeys that gathered in his yard.Vaughn was preceded in death by his parents Ernest Weston Harper and Mildred Irene Dix Harper of Albion and Carey, Idaho respectively, and three great grandchildren Rachael Garrett, Rose Allred and David Lee Wallace III. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, 21 December 2015 at the Parowan Stake Center, 90 South Main Street, Parowan, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 on Monday, 21 December 2015 at the Church. Interment will be in the Parowan City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.