Leland Ray Harper

Leland Ray Harper, 73, loving husband, father, PaPa & retired WISD Elementary Principal, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012. Leland was born September 27, 1938 in Weatherford to the late Raymond Leland & Addie Wiley Harper. June 26, 1958 he married his wife of over 53 years, Dorothy Ann Riggs Harper. Leland was a 1957 Graduate of Weatherford High School. He graduated from Weatherford College & North Texas State University in Denton (now known as UNT) with a degree in Education. Upon his College graduation, he was called to active military duty and joined the 49th Armored Division of the National Guard to serve during the Cuban Missile Crisis in Lafayette, LA. In 1961 he started his career in education at Travis Elementary in Mineral Wells where he taught for 5 years. Mr. Harper began his long career with WISD when he was hired by then, Superintendent Mr. Raymond E. Curtis, to be the 6th Grade Principal in the Old Weatherford High School building for 3 years on Alamo St. He then moved on to the Vice Principal position at Weatherford Middle School on Charles St. for 1 1/2 years. Mr. Harper then became Principal at Travis Elementary on Water St. until his retirement in June 1996. He was a member of the Optimist Club where he served as one time President and could often be heard announcing the PeeWee Football games on Saturdays. Leland enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, breakfast on Wednesdays with the other retired WISD employees and time with his family. He also coached Weatherford Little League baseball for 2 seasons when his son Lynn played. Leland loved telling stories and was a friend to everyone he met. He was preceded in death by his parents; and step-fathers, Clyde Glenn and Roy Besse. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; daughter Lea Anne Riedel and husband, Steve; son, Lynn Ray Harper and wife, Tabatha; Step-Brother, Bob Glenn and wife, Carolyn; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Ray and husband, Lee Roy; grandchildren, Landon Harper, Brittany Couch and Austen Riedel; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. Funeral: 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 16, 2012 at White's Chapel of Memories, 130 Houston Ave., Weatherford. Interment to follow in East Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at White's Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the Harper family suggests donations to the Weatherford Education Foundation at WISD or the charity of your choice.