Dr. Gerald Cecil Harper was born January 6, 1940 in Elkhart, Indiana to the late Thurlow G. Harper, Sr. and Ruth R. (Clark) Harper.  Gerald attended Elkhart Community Schools; upon graduation he joined and proudly served four years in the United State Marine Corps.  He received his Bachelor's degree from Indiana University, a Master's from Western Michigan University, and his Ph.D from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Gerald was a Professor of Psychology who taught at the University of Illinois, Ivy Tech, and UCLA.  He resided in California for many years where he worked as a therapist/counselor in his clinic.   Gerald returned to Elkhart in 2005.

Gerald is survived by his children, a son, Rev. Terrence (Sherri) Harper, Sr. of Indiana; daughters, Terald L. Harper, Bridget Harper, Trudi R. Harper Hill, and Tasha Harper, all of California; brothers, Thurlow Grames (Connie) Harper, Jr. of California, Sumpter M. (Philllis) Riley of Maryland, Burt S. Riley, Jr. of Indiana, James Porter of Oklahoma, and Paul Porter of Kentucky; sisters, Dr. Cecelia (DeVon, Sr.) Goodrich, Vera R. Taylor, Amy Jane Riley (Charles) Gilbert, all of Indiana and Donna Porter Todd of Oklahoma; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

Friends may call one hour prior to the Noon service on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Plez Lovelady officiating.  Burial with Military honors will be at Prairie Street Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent at  www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com.