Joel A. Harper

Joel A. Harper, 53 of Martin, Ohio passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center with his family by his side. Joel was always taking care of others in life and followed the same path by giving life to others after his death by being an organ donor. Joel was born in Tontogany, Ohio on April 10, 1970 to Roger and Kathyrn (Savola) Harper. He graduated from Wauseon High School in 1988. He continued his education at Ohio Northern and Bowling Green State University. Joel was proud to have served our country in the United States Army and continued his service in the National Guard 323rd Military Police Company. His other great pride was raising his two sons. He was proud to be a member of the Genoa Civic Theater family, the Genoa American Legion and the Wauseon VFW. He enjoyed cooking and grilling, the outdoors, camping with his family, their many pets and the sunrises at Lake Erie.
 
Surviving are: his wife of 23 years, Kimberly S.; sons, Zachary (Grace Claus) and Tyler Harper; mother, Kathyrn Harper; father, Roger (Paula) Harper; father and mother-in-law, Harold and Carol Hamilton; brother Charlie, sister Charlene (Mark), sister Cathy (Rob), brother Jason (May), sister-in-law Karen (Steve), and brother-in-law Bob (Lisa). Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Joel was preceded in death by his nephew, Dustin Sams.
 
A Celebration of Joel’s Life will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 2-8 pm, where family and friends can gather, share stories and reminisce about Joel at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Millbury Chapel, 1111 Woodville Road, Millbury, Ohio. In Joel’s honor, his family asks everyone to come very casual, as Joel would be and would want us to be! Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in Joel’s memory are asked to consider Task Force 20, 23799 East Second St., Grand Rapid, Ohio 43522.