Stanley E. Harper

Harper, Stanley E., 88, of St. Petersburg, died Monday, September 27, 2004 at Sunset Point Rehab and Nursing Center, Clearwater. Born in Shale City, IL, he came here in 1963 from Sidney, OH. He retired as a quality control inspector from General Cable Corp. He was a union leader, serving as president of union locals and president of the Shelby County Labor Council in Ohio and as president of the UAW at General Cable. He was a musician, beginning to play professionally at age five with a medicine show where he was billed as ?The World?s Youngest Mandolin Player.? He appeared on the national Major Bowes radio show and won first place. He played swing guitar and violin professionally throughout the Midwest and St. Petersburg area. He was a graduate of North Central Bible Institute, Minneapolis, MN and attended the University of Minnesota. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #4147. Survivors include three daughters, Linda S. Harper and Becky J. Cole both of St. Petersburg; Melody Schwan of Largo; two sons, Jeffrey E. Harper of St. Petersburg and Joel E. Harper of Seminole, FL; two sisters, Waneta Hawkey and June Barga, both of Sidney, OH; twelve grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; two nieces and five nephews.