William "Bill" Robert Harper

William “Bill” Robert Harper, 83, of Covington, passed away peacefully October 26, 2025, at The Waters of Covington after a long illness. Born June 23, 1942, Bill was the son of Fred E. and Leora M. (Gritton) Harper. He grew up south of Covington where he lived since he was 9 years old.

A proud graduate of Perrysville High School’s class of 1960, Bill was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. When thanked for his service, he famously replied, “They made me go.” After his military career, Bill worked at TeePak as a Production Clerk until his retirement in 2002, where he mastered the art of coffee breaks and the mysterious disappearance of pens.

Bill was a collector of coins, cans, and stamps, and could often be found tinkering in his shop, listening to music, and insisting that “this’ll only take a minute”—which everyone knew meant at least an hour. He was also an avid reader who loved history. A former member of Mt. Carmel Baptist, he attended just enough to ensure everyone knew he was keeping an eye on things.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Fred Jr. and Jack Harper, two sisters, Alice Wernigk and Mary Jones, brother-in-law, Jim Jones and niece, Patty Jones. His brother, Donald (Carol) of West Lebanon, Indiana, survives.

Bill leaves behind his devoted wife of 52 years, Julie (Boyer) Harper, who patiently endured his “experimental” carpentry and electric wiring, sons, William R. II (Sandra) Harper of Covington, Eric Harper of Modesto, California and daughter, Samantha (Matthew) Casper of Georgetown, Indiana of whom will miss his sage advice and sense of humor. He also leaves one grandson, Christopher Harper of Modesto, CA, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 11:00am to 1:00pm (ET). A service, officiated by Pastor Kurt Flora, will begin at 1:00pm, with burial to follow at Whites Chapel (Mt. Carmel) Cemetery in Covington, IN, where military honors will be provided. Guests are invited to share stories, laughter, and perhaps a can of chili or coin in his honor. Bill requested no tears—just remember him as the man who could fix anything with duct tape, caulk, a stubborn will, and a joke.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill's name to the activities fund at The Waters of Covington.

May he rest in peace, with plenty of coins to sort and stamps to organize in the great workshop beyond.

Arrangements entrusted to Shelby & Keller Funeral Home 622 3rd St., Covington, IN 47932 (765) 793-2221 www.shelbykellerfh.com