Charles E. "Gene" Harper

Great Falls resident, Charles E. "Gene" Harper, an Air Force veteran, died at Peace Hospice on July 12, 2018, at the age of 87. He had been in poor health for a number of years. Visitation will be Sunday, July 29, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Schnider Funeral Home. A graveside service will be Monday, July 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Highland Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Harper, originally from Missouri, transferred to Malmstrom AFB in 1970 and eventually retired from the service in February 1972. Upon leaving the service he spent several years as a Property Manager prior to his final retirement in 1988. He loved Great Falls and quickly decided to make it his home for life. Harper was born on May 24, 1931 in Butler, Missouri to Roderick D. and Marie (Stillwell) Harper. Gene was raised in Amoret, Missouri, a small town in western Missouri where he received the first 12 years of his education. His favorite outside interest was trap shooting which led to several lasting friendships with other shooters. In later years most of his time was spent at home, reading, listening to music and watching baseball. He is survived by his daughters, Connie J. Flanery and Vicki L. Harper; son David B. Harper of Stockton, CA; numerous grandchildren; and by a very special friend, Rosemary Lyson of Great Falls. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Harlan Harper.