Ricky Harper

BENTON, Mo. -- Ricky Lee Harper, 53, of Benton died Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, at his home, after losing his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

He was born April 25, 1962, in Wyatt, Missouri, to Leland Fletcher and Willadean Hester Templeton Harper. He married Sheila Rose Essner on Aug. 8, 1992.

He was a farmer and a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila Harper; his mother, Willadean Harper of Sikeston, Missouri; a son, Matthew Harper of Benton; a daughter, Whitney Harper of Benton; two brothers, James Ray Harper and Bill (Susan) Harper of Sikeston; five sisters, Linda (Clark) Bagwell of Sevierville, Tennessee; Pat (George) Brannum of Enville, Tennessee, and Debbie Stewart, Barbara (Jim) Yancy and Mary (Steve) Calhoun, all of Sikeston; his father-in-law, Paul W. Essner of New Hamburg; five brothers-in-law, Gerard (Carolyn) Essner of New Hamburg, and Ronnie (Laura) Essner, Curtis (Cheryl) Essner and Jeffrey (Gina) Essner, all of Benton, and Jamie (Emily) Essner of Commerce, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Theresa Essner of New Hamburg and Melissa (Justin) Sullivan of Chaffee, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leland Harper; two brothers, Leland E. and Bobby D. Harper; a sister, Eva D. Corbell; his mother-in-law, Geneva Essner; and two nieces, Amanda Stewart and Kelsi Essner.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg. Parish rosary will be at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Michael Casteel as celebrant. Burial will be at St. Lawrence Cemetery in New Hamburg.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.