of Jacksonville, AR

March 13, 1950 - January 30, 2026

Steve M. Harper, 75, of Jacksonville, AR sadly and unexpectedly passed away in his home on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Steve was born on March 13, 1950 in Little Rock, Arkansas to William and Marie Harper.

Not long after graduating from North Little Rock High School, he went on to serve his country in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman.

Steve proceeded to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and in August of 1976, he earned a Master of Science in Education degree from the University of Central Arkansas.

In 1979, Steve married Ann, and for their one-year anniversary, they decided to drive to Telluride, Colorado to celebrate. They loved it so much that they packed up everything and moved there six months later.

In Telluride, Steve held several positions at the Elks Club, worked as a deputy marshal for the local Marshal's Department, an EMT, and volunteered as a fire fighter for the Telluride Fire Protection District.

Steve moved his family back to North Little Rock, Arkansas in 1989 where he attended UALR William H. Bowen School of Law, and on May 16, 1992, he earned his Juris Doctor degree.

After retiring from being a public defender, he enjoyed watching sports with his son Sean, playing Friday night poker with his buddies, fishing at his pond, and taking leisurely walks through the woods with his dogs on the family farm.

The ones that knew Steve best will remember him as a true family man who quietly carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. To many, he was a role model, teacher, and supporter. He loved making people laugh any chance he got. Every day with him was an adventure. It was his world, and we, his loved ones, were just along for the ride.

Steve left behind his loving wife of 46 years, Ann, their devoted son Sean, daughters Grayson and Natalie, his sister Lynn and brother-in-law Neil Vick, and several grandchildren including Hunter, C.J., and Victoria.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, William and Marie Harper, and his brother, Bill Harper.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time, to be announced.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR  72116
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com