Leland Grant Harper's Obituary
Leland Grant Harper slipped into eternity the afternoon of Tuesday, July 13, 2021 while surrounded by loved ones. At the time of his passing Leland was 84 years old. He is survived by his wife of 58 years – Mary Katherine Brady Harper (Mary Kay) and their children – Paula Harper, Debbie & Brad Norton, Laura & Roger Ridd, Brady & Jessica Harper, Jenny & Rick Nettesheim, Matthew Harper, Mark & Millie Harper, Rachel & Jared Heath. They have 34 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. His surviving siblings are Eleanor Batchelor Harper (Walton), Juanita Wray Harper (Lynn), Vernon Harper, Clarnell Behunin Harper (Richard), Pat & Jim Patton, Faye & Jim Young, Gary & Judi Harper and Michael & Linda Harper.
Leland was preceded in death by his parents – Rodolph Dennis & Eva Smith Harper. His siblings – Rodolph Dennis (R.D.) Jr. & Virginia Haymore Harper, Margaret (Harper) & Carroll Haymore, Walton Harper, Lynn Harper, Francis Harper Peedin, Juanita Doyle (Vernon) and Richard Harper.
Born in Albertson, NC on Dec 26, 1936 Leland had a lifelong passion for sports, singing, fishing and a profound love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He served in the Northern California mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – 1957-59 and then moved to Utah to attend BYU. It was there that he met his wife Mary Kay and they were married June 4, 1963 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Leland served in the Utah National Guard, having his unit readied for possible deployment to Vietnam. He made a career working for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and retired in September 2000. He and Mary Kay served as temple workers for many years.
There will be a viewing on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the LDS chapel located at 762 East 1200 North in Orem, Utah. The funeral will be held at the same location the following day – August 4, 2021 at 2:00 pm with a viewing prior from 12:30 – 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Foundation or to support missionary efforts. www.LatterDaySaintCharities.org
Premier Mortuary will be managing the affairs. If you are unable to attend the funeral in person, you may contact a member of the family and request access to a link to view it live online."
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