LELAND EDWARD 'BUTCH' HARPER, Age 68, a resident of Matthews, died Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at the Sikeston Convalescent Center.

Born July 18, 1944, at Maynard, Arkansas, to Hester Willadean Templeton Harper, who survives of Matthews, MO and the late Leland F. Harper, he had lived in Southeast Missouri most of his life and was a graduate of Anniston High School. He had been employed as a farmer and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was of the Methodist Belief and was a U.S. Army having served in Vietnam.

In 1967, he married Barbara Deason, who survives of the Dexter.

Also surviving are: two sons and daughters in law, Paul Wayne and Candy Harper of Essex, MO and Chad Edward and Ruby Harper of Hermann, MO; four brothers, Billy Harper of Sikeston; Bobby Harper and James R. Harper of Matthews and Ricky Lee Harper of Benton; five sisters, Linda Bagwell of Sieverville, TN; Patricia Branum of Enville, TN, Debbie Lynn Stewart and Mary Ellen Calhoun of Sikeston and Barbara Jean Yancy of Matthews; six grandchildren, Skyler Wayne Harper, Alexis Harper, Austin Harper, Landon Harper, Grant Patterson and Bailey Vance; one great granddaughter, Brylee Grace Head.

Besides his father, he was preceded in death by one sister, Eva Dean Corbell.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the funeral hour at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 20, 2013 at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Rev. Herman Morse, will officiate.

Graveside services with full military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, July 20, 2013 at the Harper Cemetery near Maynard, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be: Stanley Harris, Timmy Curtis, Billy Harper, Justin Harper, Matthew Harper and Ryan Harper.