Ricky Lee Harper

Ricky Lee Harper, 53 of Benton, Missouri died Thursday, December 17, 2015 at his home after he lost his battle with ALS. He was born April 25, 1962 in Wyatt, Missouri to Leland Fletcher and Willadean Hester Templeton Harper. He married Sheila Rose Essner on August 8, 1992.

He was a farmer and a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila Harper; his mother; Willadean Harper of Sikeston; a son, Matthew Harper of Benton; a daughter, Whitney Harper of Benton; two brothers, James Ray Harper and Bill (Susan) Harper of Sikeston; five sisters, Linda (Clark) Bagwell of Sevierville, Tennessee, Pat (George) Brannum of Enville, Tennessee, Debbie Stewart, Barbara (Jim) Yancy and Mary (Steve) Calhoun all of Sikeston; father-in-law, Paul W. Essner of New Hamburg; five brothers-in-law, Gerard (Carolyn) Essner of New Hamburg, Ronnie (Laura) Essner, Curtis (Cheryl) Essner, Jeffrey (Gina) Essner all of Benton and Jamie (Emily ) Essner of Commerce; two sisters-in-law, Theresa Essner of New Hamburg and Melissa (Justin) Sullivan of Chaffee.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leland Harper; two brothers, Leland E. and Bobby D. Harper; a sister, Eva D. Corbell; mother-in-law, Geneva Essner and two nieces Amanda Stewart and Kelsi Essner.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 pm on Monday at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg, Missouri. Parish Rosary will be at 7:00 pm.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday at the church with Rev. Michael Casteel as celebrant.

Burial will be at St. Lawrence Cemetery in New Hamburg.