Buster Harper

Buster N. Harper of Saginaw, Michigan Loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2015 at Covenant HealthCare-Cooper. He was 94 years old. Buster Norman Harper was born on July 3, 1920 in Athens, Georgia to the late Clarence and Lula (Hashman) Harper. He married Goldie Margaret (Varadi) LaClair on October 15, 1976; she survives him. Buster retired from General Motors after 30 years of service. He and Goldie were charter members of St. John Vianney Catholic Church. In his spare time, he made and sold thousands of religious pictures. He also made keychains and angel pennies; these he gave to people for mission trips, out of kindness, and just to brighten someone's day. He also enjoyed golfing and his monthly poker night. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 38 years, Goldie; son, Major Dean (Maria) Harper; three step-sons: David (Peggy) LaClair, Darren (Linda) LaClair, and Dennis (Mary) LaClair; two step-daughters: Christine Pech (fiancé, Tom) and Carol LaClair; seventeen grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Holly, Jason, Aubrey, Ryan, Heather, Brett, Elizabeth, Savannah, Jon, Nathan, Elizabeth, Sarah, Jeff, Amy, Aramis, Conner, Courtney, Owen, Aspen; nineteen great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren; two brothers: Bill Harper and Larry Harper; three sisters: Kay English, Pauline Hall, and Ruthie Harper; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Buster was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Ruth Harper; son, Norman Harper; sister, Helen; two brothers: Eugene and Clarence. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Covenant HealthCare - Cooper who made great efforts to try to save him, but also who took the time to make the family feel cared for. FUNERAL: Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2015 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 6400 McCarty Road. Rev. Fr. William Rutkowski and Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Schabel will co-officiate. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, February 12, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family will gather Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. to share memories. Friday morning, Buster will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. John Vianney Catholic Church or the charity of the donor's choice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.