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Herbert H. Harper
1928-2023
Herbert Hoy Harper was the son of Jesse Harper and Rosa Prunty-Harper. He was born in Caress, W.Va., Nov. 3, 1928.
Herb was the eighth of 13 children, seven sisters and five brothers: Mamie, Pearl, Lester, Earl, Cecil, Emma, Ruby, Herbert, Gay, Glenora, Garl, Lucille and Larry.
From a young age Herb worked on many farms where he tended to livestock and worked the fields with teams of horses and mules. He skidded logs from the woods to various sawmills. When one of his uncles bought a tractor he asked Herb to run it for him. Herb did, but he preferred horses or mules. Herb was known for his gifted carpentry craftsmanship; it was often said Herb could make something out of nothing.
Herb was a veteran of the US Army serving with the field artillery. Not long after being discharged from the Army, he met and married Emma L. Wine. In 1958 they moved to the area; within a short time they bought land on Sixth Street a few miles from Newell where they built a house. He built the house from ground up himself. To make this house a home he and Emma became the proud parents of two daughters, Linda Harper and Marsha Hissom. Herb was proud of his granddaughters Haley Harper and Jenna (Chris) Gibson, along with his three great-granddaughters, Emma, Makenzie and Olivia Gibson.
Herb worked at Homer Laughlin China Co. for 43 years where he oiled and greased the pottery-making machines. His opinion and technical knowledge of the working of these machines was sought after and respected. He loved the outdoors where he was seen working on his land or on his frequent seven mile walks. Herb loved dancing, listening to Bluegrass music and going to concerts. He went to local fairs where he enjoyed watching the horse shows and tractor pulls.
Herb loved telling stories, reading the local newspaper, and he had a keen memory for his family history and family tree.
Herb will be missed by friends and family far and wide.
Visitation hours are Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., with funeral services Tuesday at 11 a.m., at Nixon Funeral Home, Newell, W.Va.
9/30/23