Robert Wayne Harper

Robert Wayne Harper (Lt. Colonel, USAF, ret.), 79 years old, of Metamora, IL, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2022 at Unity Point Methodist Hospital in Peoria, surrounded by his family.

He was born June 27, 1943 in Monticello, IL, son of Robert and Pearl (Dyson) Harper.  He married Cheryl "Sherrie" Eaton on June 11, 1966 in Joliet, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Cheryl; his children Holly (Bill) Kelly of Spring Grove, IL, Rob (Angela) Harper of Greencastle, IN, Randy (Denise) Harper of Gurnee, IL, and Agustin (Milagros) Tavares of Lakeland, FL; ten grandchildren, Maeve and Aidan Kelly; Lauren (Henry) Massing, Wade and Will Harper; Ella and Tessa Harper; Agustin Jr, Justin and Amil Tavares; five brothers, Gary (Bunney), Dan (Becky), Bill, Lynn (Julie), Jay (Cindy) Harper; one sister, Kathy (Rick) Berger; and sister-in-law, Carol Harper.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Richard Harper.

Bob graduated from Bement High School and from there went to the University of Illinois to earn Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Agricultural Engineering. While at the university, he participated in the Air Force ROTC and was commissioned in February 1966 as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Air Force.  He proudly served his country as a pilot during the Vietnam War.   After his service, he returned to Illinois and started his career as an engineer at Caterpillar while continuing his military service, flying with the 182nd Air National Guard in Peoria.

He enjoyed his children and then grandchildren, playing sports and enjoying their hobbies and activities.  He and Cheryl enjoyed many years traveling by motorhome and spent winters in Orange Beach, AL.  He had a love of trains that started at a young age, watching the Wabash pass the family farm.  He continued to honor his family's heritage by working the family farm every planting and harvesting season.  When he wanted to relax, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the cabin in Rome, Wisconsin.  He was a member of the Illinois Terminal Traction Society.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Christian Union Church in Metamora with Reverend Gary Salm officiating and military rites accorded following the service.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 and also one hour prior to his service on Thursday, both at the church.  Graveside services will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday in Ingram Cemetery in White Heath, IL.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Metamora Christian Union Church, 925 West Walnut Street or Snyder Village Residents in Need Fund, 1200 East Partridge Street, both in Metamora, IL 61548.  Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Snyder Village Residents in Need Fund
1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora IL 61548

Christian Union Church
925 West Walnut Street, Metamora IL 61548