SAVANNAH - Joseph W. "Joe" Harper, 74, died Monday, February 18, 2013 in Savannah.

Mr. Harper was born in Savannah, GA on December 8, 1938, the son of the late Robert John Harper, Sr. and Hazel Laves Harper. He was a graduate of Benedictine Military School and went on to receive his formal education from Loyola College. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving three years in Korea during his tenure. He had a great passion for music and marches, which was exemplified by his participation in the Benedictine Band while in school and the Army Band while serving in the U.S. Army. In addition to his passion for music, he also enjoyed yard sales, junk sales, and fast food, especially McDonalds.

Mr. Harper is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Linda Harper; children, Rita Turpin of Baltimore, MD, Mary Ellen Dannman and husband Robert of New Providence, PA, Susan Lynn Breiner of Easton, PA, Richard Clause and fiancé Gracie Medina of Savannah, Robert Brian Clause and wife Crystal of Bloomingdale, GA; granddaughters, Lonnie Turpin and Hannah Gibson; four step-grandchildren; sisters, Rita DeLorme of Savannah, Anne Carter of Wilmington Island, Mary Harper of Baltimore, MD, Madge Harper of Moscow, ID, Frances Wheeler of Ozark, AL, and step-brother, Louis Waldhour and wife Harriett of Savannah.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.

Remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692 Dallas TX 75284-0692 or to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.