Melvin W. Harper

Hastings resident Melvin W. Harper, 93, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023; at his home.    

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 10 at Grace United Methodist Church in Hastings with Rev. Benjamin Hanne officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Visitation will be 1-7 p.m. with family present 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at the funeral home, and one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be given to Sloan Kettering Cancer Research.

Melvin was born August 12, 1929, in Evergreen Township, KS to Claude and Florence (Richards) Harper. He graduated from St. Francis High School and attended one year at McCook Community College. Melvin married Bonita (Shay) Reed on November 22, 2003.

Melvin bought Taco Johns in 1973 in Hastings and eventually helped by backing four others to buy Taco Johns. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. Melvin enjoyed spending his time with his kids, family, and friends, hiking, hunting, and fishing, gardening.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; brother; step-brother; granddaughter, Pamela Valentine; and first wife, Betty Lepper.

SURVIVORS:

Second Wife:                                                 
    Bonita Harper

Children & Spouses:                                     
    Randy & Myrna – Indianola, NE

    Marsha & Tom Valentine – Hastings, NE

    Dan Harper – Indianola, NE

Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren:        
    Many beloved

Sister:                                                            
    Mary Louis Aughe – Cheyenne, WY

Many other family members