Arthur Mitchell Harper

Our beloved husband and father Arthur Mitchell Harper passed to his eternal life with Jesus Christ as his savior on December 22, 2023, at the age of 80.

Born in DeRidder, Louisiana on January 11, 1943, to Mitchell and Della (Cooley) Harper, Arthur grew up with his five brothers and sisters in the piney woods of Dry Creek.

Arthur’s work ethic led him to become self-employed in the dirt business more than 40 years ago. He was blessed with natural talent and was happiest behind the wheel of a dump truck, operating a dozer or excavator.  If there was any downtime from work, you would find him in his recliner.

In recent years, he swapped hunting deer to capturing them in photos.  His daily routine included feeding them in the evening; they will surely miss his apple treats.

Arthur enjoyed traveling with his family, but only if he was the driver!  His favorite travel destinations were Colorado for snow skiing or Branson for the shows and to eat at Golden Corral!

He is remembered by his family as a kind, hardworking, and generous man, who was a steady presence to those he loved.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Katie Bennett Harper.   He also leaves behind his children, Jeffrey Arthur Harper (Bridget) and Dana Hebert (Kyle) of Lake Charles, and bonus daughters, Donna Coker and Rhonda Isbell (Delbert) of Merryville, and Dana Cryer of DeRidder; his sisters, Barbara Morgan and Joyce Williamson (Boyd) of Lake Charles; his brother, Gary Harper (Barbara) of Dry Creek; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces; nephews; cousins, and friends.

In death, he rejoins his parents; his sister, Pauline Howell; his brother, J.G. Harper, and his beloved son, Brad Harper.

Celebration services honoring Arthur’s life will be at 12:00 PM Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Shiloh Baptist Church in Dry Creek. (1253 Mitchell Harper Rd. Dry Creek, LA 70634).  Reverend Donnis Ashworth  will officiate.  Interment services will follow at Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery.  Visitation Tuesday will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA.  Visitation Wednesday will be from 10:30 AM until the start of services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to offset funeral expenses.