Warren Charles Harper (81) passed away peacefully on September 22, 2020 after a brief illness due to COVID-19 pneumonia and many serious complications.  Warren was born in Neosho Falls, KS on September 4, 1939, the youngest of three sons of Charles H. Harper and Elizabeth Fontella Toot Harper.  He grew up in Wichita, KS graduating from North High in 1957.  His professional degrees included a Bachelor of Science with a major in Watershed Management from Colorado State University (1965) and a Master of Science from Oregon State University (1969).  He always had a strong work ethic and a love of the outdoors which drew him to a professional life of Forest Management and Water Quality Management. Warren worked for the US Geological Survey, Weyerhaeuser Company and the US Forest Service where he retired as Director, Watershed and Air Management in 2002.

In 1959, he married Janet Larrick (divorced) and had three children. Kim Maureen Brannan (1961) (Mike); Mark Allan Harper (1963) (Jennifer); and Stephen Paul Harper (1970) (Lisa).  In 1980, he and Edlu Thom moved from Washington State to Virginia with Edlu’s children, Brent Christian Allert; Trisha Liane Frye (Tim); and Traci Deanne Shank.  Their large bi-coastal family includes thirteen grandchildren: Heather Brannan; Amy Brannan Foster (Corbin); Sean Brannan (Maritza); Ryan Frye (Kristin); Rachel Frye Houde (Evan); Taylor Allert; Zachary Allert; Lindsay Shank; Kyle Shank; Tommy Shank; twins, Morgan and Mackenzie Harper; and Nathan Harper.  In addition, their growing family includes seven great grandchildren, Austin Brannan; Ben, Josiah, Noah and Sadie Foster; McKenzie Frye; and Hallie Rae Houde.  Two more great granddaughters are due the end of 2020, one to be named Harper in Warren’s honor.

Warren and Edlu have spent twenty-five years living on the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay where they enjoyed boating and the beautiful nature surrounding the Bay.  Warren was known for walking two miles around the Herrington Harbor Marina five days a week with his dog, Amber.  He was a past Commodore of the Corinthian Yacht Club in Ridge, MD and a member of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Lothian, MD and was a past Member of the Vestry.   In retirement, Warren and Edlu enjoyed many travels with good friends to Mexico, Africa, China, Peru, Ecuador, England/Scotland, France, Italy, Costa Rica, the Holy Lands and the beautiful Caribbean.  The couple also enjoyed cross country trips in their RV with their precious pets, Amber and Sophie, visiting friends and family along the way.

Warren is survived by his wife and companion of 43 years, Edlu Thom-Harper; six children; thirteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren and his two brothers, Ken Harper (Neleen) of Albuquerque, NM and Maurice Harper (Judy) of Conway Springs, KS as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles H. Harper (1994) and Elizabeth Fontella Toot Harper (1970); one granddaughter, Rebecca Anne Brannan (2002) and great granddaughter, Melanie Faith Frye (2014).

Memorial donations can be made in memory of Warren C. Harper to:

AAMC Foundation, 2000 Medical Parkway, Belcher Pavilion, Suite 604, Annapolis, MD  21401. Please designate that it goes to the “Community Response Fund” for COVID-19 care. In addition, here is the website where friends and family can make donations if they prefer to use a credit card.

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay whose mission is to bring together communities, companies, and conservationists to improve the lands and waters of the Chesapeake watershed.