Eddie J. Harper

Eddie Jack (EJ) Harper, 92, of Mackinaw, went home to be with The Lord Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Arcadia Care in Morton.

He was born February 18, 1934, in Independence, MO to Lester and Nellie West Harper.  He married Loretta M. Derrickson on December 31, 1953, in Jackson, IL and she passed away April 26, 2021.

Surviving are his children, Ed (Brenda) Harper of Pekin, Deb (Paul) Mountjoy of Mackinaw, Bob Harper of Lewistown, Bryan (Lynn) Harper of Kent, WA, Bruce (Karen) Harper of Forest City, and Marsha Mountjoy of Mackinaw; 16 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one infant granddaughter, Renee Harper: one grandson,  Nathan Carl; one great grandson, Jaxson Harper; and one brother, W. Eugene Harper.

Eddie wore many hats in his lifetime. He was a commercial fisherman throughout his lifetime. He was a diver for the Ohio River Barge Company, a duck hunting guide and worked at the strip mine in Banner. He was a heavy equipment operator and a brick layer for Otto Baum.

He loved music and enjoyed singing, song writing, and playing the guitar.

He and Loretta owned and operated Bob Combs Fish Company in St. James City, FL.  He was a member of Zwolle Baptist Church in Zwolle, LA

Over the years, Eddie had many careers and often said "I have lived a good life and was fortunate enough to do everything that I ever wanted to do."

Cremation has been accorded for Eddie and Loretta. A Graveside service will be held April 30, 2026, at 11:00am at White Chapel Cemetery in Canton. Pastor David Craig will officiate.  Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home in Mackinaw is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.

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