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.
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11 Condolence(s)
Hilary Harper Walsh
Thursday, February 12, 2026
I loved Uncle Steve whole heartedly and will miss him deeply. Please let me know when I can bring Mom to visit with y'all and share memories. Aunt Ann, Sean and Grayson, we love each of you and really miss you.
William M. Harper III
Thursday, February 12, 2026
My thoughts and prayers for our family. God Bless us and may we always be surrounded by friends and family.
Frank Servedio
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Steve will be lovingly missed. Great guy. Great friend. Deepest condolences to your family.
Anna Morgan
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Sean,
I remember your dad from our younger days! He was always so funny, and he put up with a lot from us being silly teenagers, but he always let us come back and always had another funny joke upon our arrival! I'm sorry to hear of his passing and will be praying for you all in the days to come! If you need anything at all, Sean, I'm here for you always friend!!!!
Mary Avance Hagenlocker
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
I am extremely sorry for your loss, Steve was a great friend and always showed his love for all of his family. I will cherished is humor, his laughter and love for all the kids in the neighborhood. Godspeed my friend. Condolences, hugs and prayers.
Emily & Makyla Hillis
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I cannot fathom what you all are going through. Prayers to you all.
Bubba Earnhart
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Lots of special memories that are cherished that have a lifetime of joy and Friendship.
Never will you be forgotten but you truly will be missed.
Love ya Steve
Austin Clowers
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Sending thoughts and prayers for a wonderful family.
Peggy Earnhart
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Ann, prayers for you & your family, we loved Steve like family & will always remember our fun 🤩 & precious times skiing ⛷️!! To Helluride!!
Steve, we will see you in the Promise Land soon! Godspeed!!
Steve Smith
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
I'm sorry for your loss.
May God comfort you all with the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Thank you for the opportunity to pray with you.
Continued prayers for your peace and comfort.
Steve
Maria Hill
Monday, February 2, 2026
Anne,
I am heartbroken at the news of Steve's passing. I am sending you peace, strength & love.
Romans 8:35, 37- 39
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.