St. Louis City Police Department
Sgt. Harper died on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 7:30am after being shot by a
robbery suspect outside a relative’s home in south St. Louis. Sgt. Harper was 66
years old and lived nearby. After being shot, Sgt. Harper returned fire and shot
the suspect. Before falling unconscious, Sgt. Harper was able to contact 911 to
report the incident and give a description of the fleeing suspect. Because of his
heroic actions, the suspect who shot Sgt. Harper was quickly arrested along with
others and charged accordingly.
Sgt. Harper is the son of the late St. Louis police Captain Edward Harper and his
dear mother Helen (Kotraba). Sgt. Harper is survived by his loving wife Marilyn (Bernhard) and four brothers, Ed (Christine), John (Janice), George (Patti) and
Clifford (Domenica)
. Sgt. Harper and his brothers were all proud members of the
St. Louis City Police Department. The Harper family collectively served more than
200 years of police service to the St. Louis community. Although Edward, John
and George have retired or left the department, Clifford continues to serve in the
Communications Division. Sgt. Harper served the department for 33 years and
was a member of the St. Louis Police Veterans Association.
Sgt. Harper is the proud uncle of Diana (Dave) Curran, Jennifer, Andrea, Michael,
Emily, Lily, Candice and Lucas Harper, Jeff (Michelle) and Lisa Moenigmann; proud
great uncle to Toni Keller‐Jackson, Joey (Maggie) and Bobby Moenigmann, Leah,
Owen and Aiden Curran; proud great‐great uncle to Emily and Jacob
Moenigmann.
Sgt. Harper leaves behind his sweet aunt Mary (Creasey) and many cousins,
extended family members, friends, co‐workers and a grieving community of
caring neighbors and strangers. Sgt. Harper was most proud of his loving and
supported police family.
Shortly after graduating from St. Mary’s High School, Sgt. Harper was drafted and
served honorably as an Army Military Police Officer for two years at Fort
Huachuca, Arizona. After his discharge, Sgt. Harper returned to St. Louis to follow
in his father’s footsteps and became a St. Louis City Police Officer. Sgt. Harper
was an avid golfer and thoroughly enjoyed his regular golf games with special
friends, and was proud of playing golf in every state. Sgt. Harper loved playing
with his kitty “Star” and taking long morning walks with his puppies “Calvin” and
“Boo”. Nephew Jeff and niece Lisa, great niece Toni, and great nephews Joe and Bob, kept Sgt. Harper busy making trips to the lake and fishing. Sgt. Harper
enjoyed being with his family. Most importantly, he protected and treasured his
loving wife of 43 years, Marilyn.
Sgt. Harper was always the hit of the party, funny, comical and spontaneous.
Whether it was his Michael Jackson moonwalk or his traditional rendition of “The
Night Before Christmas”, the performances were always memorable.
He took pride in his police work, with strict compliance and passion, to make
certain the job was done right and the community was well‐served. He was overly supportive of his fellow officers and their well‐being. He was a well respected
officer, trusted partner, leader and mentor to many officers and the
police community.
Sgt. Harper was a HERO and left an indelible legacy to his family and the
community. Although he will be missed by so many, he will never be forgotten
and always loved.
Services: Visitation on Thursday, Nov. 1, 4‐8pm at Kutis Funeral Home (city
location), 2906 Gravois. Funeral Mass celebrated on Friday, Nov. 2 at 10am at St.
Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 3014 Oregon, followed by interment at Resurrection
Cemetery, 6901 Mackenzie.
Donations to St. Louis Police Wives Association and Backstoppers are appreciated.