JD Harper went home to his Lord on August 27, 2020, at the age of 74 after a brief illness with COVID-19. JD was a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and a longtime resident of Ruston. He was a person of deep faith who loved his family, community and country and was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

JD retired after a long career as a truck driver which took him over all of the continental US. In all his travels, he seems never to have met a single stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. The proudest moment of his driving career was being a finalist for the Goodyear Highway Heroes award after saving the life of a young woman critically injured in a car accident.

JD was a proud US Army veteran and was active in veteran's groups, to include the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.  He worked on behalf of veterans in North Louisiana as Commander of VFW Post 3615 and also Commander of American Legion Post 0002, both in Ruston, Louisiana. JD enjoyed serving others and his work with these groups was particularly important to him. He advocated tirelessly for veteran's causes and a new VFW post.

JD's silver whiskers and jolly disposition made him a natural to act as Santa's helper during the Christmas season. For many years, he donned his red suit and visited schools, nursing homes and other community locations. He enjoyed hearing the Christmas wishes of many Ruston area children and adults.

JD loved people and loved helping others. He brought a cheerful and generous spirit to his daily life in his profession and volunteer efforts and found many places to combine his faith and love of service. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Choudrant, Louisiana. the Christian Motorcyclist Association, Grand Lodge F&AM Ruston Lodge 106, Grand Lodge F&AM Choudrant Lodge 339 and The Scottish Rite of Monroe, Louisiana.

JD is survived by his son, Ronald Harper and wife Cathy; daughter, Lynnette Bailey and husband Marcus; and son, Lynn "Pat" Kilpatrick and wife, June.

JD is also survived by his grandchildren: Jenniffer "Shellie" LeDoux and husband, Randall; Karen Fields; Johnnette Fields; Christy Kilpatrick and husband, Michael Hart; Kelley Porter; Curtis Harper; Ashley Harper; Sonya Harper; Brittany Harper; Kyle Harper; Amanda Harper; Curtis Stewart and wife, Paige; Jacqueline Gravois and husband, Shaun; John Moses and wife, Mary; and Sterling Albritton Jr. Great-grandchildren: Brad Fields; Jake Hubbard and wife, Amy Faucheux; Brandon Hubbard; Russell Hubbard; Joshua Fields; Ashlan Fields; Autumn Jackson; Blakley Porter; Addison Porter; Zander Harper; Zeva Harper; Samantha Harper; Judd Brown; Christopher Hockenberry; Serenity Hockenberry; Adiland Dean; Ryland Bergeron; Brianna Stewart; Nathan Gravois; Cooper Gravois; Mollie Gravois; Ashlie Moses; Kell Moses; John Michael Moses; and Zachary Albritton. Great-great grandchildren: Kasyn, Ava, Scarlett, Hazel, Joshua Jr., and Paisley; sister, Evelyn Price.

JD is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Harper; son, Robert Harper; and great-grandchild, Donald Lee "Trey" Bouwell III.

Visitation will be held at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home during working hours. A private graveside service will be held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a future date when it is safe to gather, sing and fellowship as the family does not want others to experience the grief of losing someone to COVID-19.

JD's passing is a loss to his family, friends and community. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in JD's memory to VFW Post 3615 to support the work he dearly loved. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com .