Tawes P. Harper, Sr

Tawes P. Harper, Sr., 88, of Cambridge passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at Mallard Bay Care Center. He was born in Lakesville on February 9, 1924 and was a son of the late George and Georgia Dixon Harper.

Mr. Harper attended schools in Crapo. On October 22, 1943, he married the former Olive Simmons. Mr. Harper worked at Cambridge Wire Cloth until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. On September 3, 1944, he was transferred to the 29th Division as First Scout and fought through France and Germany until he was wounded at the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Harper was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theater Medal with 2 bronze service stars, the Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal, Expert Rifleman Badge and the Honorable Service Button. After the war, he was employed with Dashiell and Leonard for a short period of time and later he was owner/operator of Harper's Fix It Shop. He enjoyed fishing, crabbing, made many mechanical vehicles and built several boats. Mr. Harper was a member of American Legion Post #91, a life member of the Choptank Memorial Post 7460 VFW, Disabled American Veterans and the First Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Olive M. Harper of Cambridge, two sons Tawes Harper, Jr. and wife Arlene of Cambridge and Robert Harper and wife Maureen of Cambridge, two grandsons William Harper of Salisbury and Michael Harper of Cambridge, a great grandson Tawes Allan Harper of Salisbury, a brother George Harper of Cambridge, a sister Vivian Marshall of Cambridge and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Mr. Harper is preceded in death by his many brothers and sisters.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Maryland Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery Chapel with Pastor Steve Trice officiating. Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church, 501 Glenburn Ave., Cambridge, MD 21613 or to the Baywater Animal Rescue, 4930 Bucktown Road, Cambridge, MD 21613.