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In Memory Of Our Poets

A. Douglas Harper (Lt. Col. Retired) (1923-2017) - Class Of 1942

Allen Douglas "Dubo" Harper, Jr., 94, died Tuesday, August 15 at his home. Mr. Harper was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Lucy Banks Harper. Dubo was born in Hattiesburg, MS, on January 4, 1923. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Douglas and Mary Tyrone Harper and two sisters, Mary Harper Downey and Catherine Harper Moffat. 

He attended Starke University School and Lanier High School in Montgomery, where he excelled in football and Golden Gloves boxing. In June 1942, he graduated from Georgia Military Academy and enrolled at Auburn University. He then volunteered and qualified for the United States Army Air Corps pilot training. Upon earning his pilot's wings, he was assigned as a pilot on the B-24 Liberator bomber and deployed to the 15th Air Force in Italy where he flew bombing missions over Central Europe.

The war ending, Dubo was discharged from the Army Air Corps and attended the University of Alabama. Upon settling in Montgomery, he founded the firm of Harper Adjusting Company which he owned and managed until his 72nd birthday in 1995. Mr. Harper was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church from 1935 until his death and a founding and 50-year member of the Capitol City Kiwanis Club (including service as President and being honored as one of its outstanding members). Dubo was also a member of the Alabama Historical Society. 

Dubo still had the urge to fly. He joined the Alabama Air National Guard as a single engine pilot. Upon completion of 20 plus years active and National Guard duty, including three recalls, he retired as a Lt. Colonel. 

Mr. Harper is survived by his children: Allen Douglas Harper III (Regna Worthington Harper) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Lucy Banks Harper of Montgomery, and Wilkes Banks Harper (Jayne Paprowicz Harper) of Johnson City, Tennessee; grandchildren, Alison Harper Leclaire (Matthew), Elizabeth Harper Kruse (Travis), and Caroline Banks Morrison. Mr. Harper is also survived by three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

A very special thank you to our angels at Jennings Professional Services and the nurses of Amedisys Hospice Care. Once again, each of you has made a difficult journey easier and will have our eternal gratitude. 

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 2:00 pm Sunday, August 20th. The family will be receiving friends immediately following the service at the home of his daughter at 1112 Laurel Lane, Montgomery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Montgomery Humane Society, the Respite Ministry of First United Methodist Church or your favorite charity.

Published in the Montgomery Advertiser on Aug. 17, 2017