Harold Earl “Bunk” Harper, 78, of Ironton died Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, at his residence. The Lawrence County native was born April 5, 1932, the son of the late Nicholas J. and Della Mae Roach Harper. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Audrey Louise Clifton Harper, who passed away Sept. 27, 2007.

Mr. Harper attended LaGrange School and was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving with the 101st Airborne in the Korean Conflict. He was a 30-year employee of the Dayton Malleable Iron Company, where he was a furnace operator,retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Brookdale Freewill Baptist Church in Burlington and really enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by: a son, Ralph Edward Harper; four brothers, Wilson Harper, John Bailey, Charlie Harper and Harlen Harper; four sisters, Ann Valentine, Alberta Stapleton, Opal Elswick and Viola Skaggs; a grandson, a great granddaughter and a great grandson.

He is survived by two sons and daughters in-law, Harold E. and Sharon Harper and William David and Marsha Harper, of Ironton; three daughters, Mary and Fred Jenkins of Michigan and Amanda and Larry Jr. Brandom of Columbia City, Ind. and Vicki Long, all of Ironton;

16 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Phillips Funeral Home, 1004 S. Seventh St., Ironton, with Bro. Dave Schug and Bro. Mike Triplett officiating. Burial will follow in Mamre Cemetery with military graveside rites by the V.F.W. Friends may call Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.