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George Henry Harpster

Birth	:	3 Feb 1914 Buffalo, Dallas County, Missouri, USA
Death	:	15 Sep 2015 Ponca City, Kay County, Oklahoma, USA
Burial	:	Hillcrest Cemetery, Florence, Marion County, USA
Coordinate	:	38.2532997, -96.9282990
Description	:	George Henry Harpster Longtime Ponca Citian and World War II veteran George Henry Harpster died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, at the age of 101. Harpster was born Feb. 3, 1914, in the family home near Buffalo, Mo. He was the second of six children born to Nancy and Willis Harpster. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Florence, Kan. where George enjoyed an adventurous childhood playing, fishing and hunting along the Cottonwood River. He graduated from Florence High School in 1932 and studied at the University of Kansas. He transferred to Tulane University in New Orleans where he... Read More	George Henry Harpster Longtime Ponca Citian and World War II veteran George Henry Harpster died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, at the age of 101. Harpster was born Feb. 3, 1914, in the family home near Buffalo, Mo. He was the second of six children born to Nancy and Willis Harpster. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Florence, Kan. where George enjoyed an adventurous childhood playing, fishing and hunting along the Cottonwood River. He graduated from Florence High School in 1932 and studied at the University of Kansas. He transferred to Tulane University in New Orleans where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business. As a college student during the Great Depression, George was frequently hungry. He earned money playing saxophone in a dance band. He loved Big Band music—especially Guy Lombardo. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Navy in 1942. He went to officer training school at Colombia University in New York City. He liked to tell about walking the streets of New York in his uniform and being invited by strangers to dinner in gratitude for his service. While based at San Diego, 2nd lieutenant Harpster met another Kansas native, Mary Lucille “Lu” Hendryx. They met on the beach and one month later they were married on Sept. 4, 1943. He was shipped out soon after the wedding. He described meeting Lu as the luckiest thing that ever happened to him. His life was full of lucky breaks. As a toddler he survived the flu pandemic of 1918-19 which killed some 50 million people. As a foolhardy teen he survived the capsizing of his boat in a flooding Cottonwood River. While serving on the destroyer, the U.S.S. Wilson, in the South Pacific he survived kamikaze attacks and burning ammunition ships. He served in the Philippine Sea and as far south as New Guinea. He served as his ship’s Combat Information Control Officer. It was his job to identify and verify targets as enemy combatants. In December 1944 the Red Cross sent word to George that he was the father of a new baby boy. A year would go by before he met his new son, Brian. In November of 1945 He was honorably discharged at the rank of lieutenant and his young family moved to Boise, Idaho. At the urging of their Kansas relatives and because he found work with Continental Refinery, he and his wife and their baby boy moved to Ponca City in 1947. Their two children, Brian and Martha, were raised in Ponca City where they enjoyed their kid friendly neighborhood on Clarke Street and later on Seventh Street. George and Lu enjoyed 66 years together until her death in 2011 at the age of 93. After retiring from accounts payable at Conoco, he pursued many activities with his typical thoroughness: photography, woodworking, gardening and emailing pictures and poetry to family and friends. He is survived by his children, Brian Harpster and wife Holly, of Fernandina Beach, Fla. and Martha Engel and husband Mike, of Stockton, Calif. His grandchildren are, Emily Engel Bitar and husband Jamil of Sacramento, Calif. and Hillary Harpster, of Los Angeles, Calif. He has two great-granddaughters, Amy and Lena Bitar of Sacramento. He is also survived by his much loved sister and brother, Margaret Brewer, of Tulsa and Robert Harpster, of Sulphur. George was fortunate to have been cared for by capable and loving caregivers: Cindy Higgins, Tina Taylor, Kelli Glaser, Shawanna Hains and Becky Higgins. Much gratitude is felt for the wonderful team at Hospice of North Central Oklahoma who made his final days comfortable and secure with special thanks to Melissa and Stephanie. He can be honored by contributions to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview, Ponca City, OK 74601. He will be buried in Florence, Kan.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is George Henry Harpster's memorial?
George Henry Harpster's memorial is located at: Hillcrest Cemetery, Florence, Marion County, USA.
When did George Henry Harpster death?
George Henry Harpster death on 15 Sep 2015 in Ponca City, Kay County, Oklahoma, USA
Where are the coordinates of the George Henry Harpster's memorial?
Latitude: 38.2532997
Longitude: -96.9282990

Family Members:

Parent

Willis Milton Harpster

(1886 - 1950)

Nancy Rebecca Ballew Harpster

(1892 - 1966)

Spouse

Mary Lucille “Lu” Hendryx Harpster

(1917 - 2011)

Siblings

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Hillcrest Cemetery
Florence, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2532997, -96.9282990

2. Allison Cemetery
Florence, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2238998, -96.9328003

3. Mount Calvary Cemetery
Florence, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2303009, -96.9589005

4. Cedar Point Cemetery
Cedar Point, Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2397003, -96.8253021

5. Drinkwater Cemetery
Cedar Point, Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2619019, -96.8236008

6. Claney Cemetery
Marion, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2905998, -97.0361023

7. Montgomery Cemetery
Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3196983, -96.8364029

8. Griffith Cemetery
Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1913986, -96.8118973

9. Grant Cemetery
Marion, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3619003, -96.8843994

10. Marion Cemetery
Marion, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3514800, -97.0060900

11. Harter Cemetery
Marion, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3699989, -96.9483032

12. Summit Cemetery
Burns, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1291940, -96.9684720

13. Ice Cemetery
Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2924800, -96.7594600

14. Marion County Poor Farm Cemetery
Aulne, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3095860, -97.0956100

15. Wonsevu Cemetery
Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1547012, -96.7863998

16. Prairie Lawn Cemetery
Peabody, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1800003, -97.0943985

17. Spring Branch Catholic Cemetery
Marion, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2908300, -97.1132400

18. First Mennonite Church Cemetery
Burns, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1008880, -96.9130270

19. Clements Cemetery
Clements, Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3040900, -96.7438800

20. Whitewater Center Cemetery
Burns, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1012220, -97.0053610

21. Catlin Community Cemetery
Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2249985, -97.1339035

22. Burns Cemetery
Burns, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0921380, -96.8775270

23. Burns Catholic Cemetery
Burns, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0909600, -96.8775300

24. Gard Cemetery
Peabody, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2902985, -97.1508026