Dennis E. Harper, 67, Hays, died Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, at St. John's of Hays Nursing Home.

He was born Feb. 18, 1944, in Great Bend to Eldon H. and Fern M. (Folkerts) Harper. He was a 1963 graduate of Otis High School and graduated from the General Training Institute in Denver.

He owned and operated Harper Body Shop, Hays, for many years. He was a U.S. Army veteran, spending several years in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Survivors include a son, James A. Harper, Wichita; a daughter, Samantha L. Harper, Cody, Wyo.; a brother, Duane E. Harper, Waucoma, Iowa; a sister, Dixie Lee Stein, Lubbock, Texas; and three grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Albert, with military honors by Hays American Legion.

Friends can call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine.

Memorials are suggested to an education fund for his grandchildren in care of the funeral home.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.