Robert Harper

Robert John Harper 81, beloved Father, was called to his eternal resting place on August 8, 2017. Robert was born December 29, 1935 to John and Oletha Harper.
Robert grew up on a farm with his mom, dad and siblings. As a small boy, when he was fourteen, his dad had to sell the farm and the animals. The family moved to La Junta, Colorado where he attended school for one year; he however didn't care for school. Robert went out on his own and found work on a ranch. It was hard work but he liked it. He liked being a cowboy from that time on. All Robert wanted to do was be a cowboy out on the ranch; branding, breaking horses, and moving cattle. He worked at several ranches in New Mexico.
In March of 1958 he was called for duty by the army. Robert arrived in Rocky Ford, Colorado by bus and was sent to Ft Carson for a physical exam. Records show Robert received an Honorable discharge and returned home May 26, 1958 where he went back to ranching.
In 1965 Robert married his wife Josephine. Robert worked as a cowboy until 1975. After being laid off twice from ranching in New Mexico, Robert, his wife and three girls moved to Colorado. Robert packed away his cowboy gear and became a stay at home dad raising three girls and a boy. Throughout this time Robert and the family enjoyed family gatherings such as backyard BBQ's, holidays at grandma's house, going to rodeos, camping, or fishing at one of the lakes in town. Robert and his family moved back to New Mexico in 1983.
A short time after their move Robert and his wife separated and went their own way. Robert, retired now, stayed in Cimarron, New Mexico with his youngest daughter Mary. They later moved to Clovis, New Mexico. Here Robert had joined the senior center where he enjoyed many actives such as playing a game of pool, a night of bingo, or sometimes a dinner out.
On November 5, 2014, the senior van was in a two car accident. The van was flipped on its side with Robert and five other passengers aboard. Robert was airlifted to Lubbock hospital and later returned to Clovis for rehabilitation. From this time on, Robert lost the ability to live independently. He became a resident of St. Anthony's nursing home where he has resided for the last three years and seven months.
Robert is survived by his sisters and brothers, Ruby, Nina, Jim, and William; his children and grandchildren, Molly Harper and daughters Jessica and Leticia, Roberta Harper and her sons Kevin and Vincent, Mary Wells and her daughters Tabitha and Raquel, and son John Harper and his kids Alora, Isaac, and Tyler.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00am, Saturday August 19, 2017, at Steed-Todd Funeral Home.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Steed-Todd Funeral Home and Crematory, 800 E Manana (575) 763-5541. You may sign the online guest registry at www.steedtodd.com

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