Raymond Leslie Harper

Raymond Leslie Harper, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and loyal friend passed away with his family by his side on February 7, 2025, at the age of 92. 

Les was born in Amarillo, Texas on December 19, 1932, to W.R. and Eno Harper. Growing up in the Great Depression and World War II era, he learned the values of hard work, tenacity and grit. He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1950, studied at the University of Texas in Austin and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from West Texas State University.

He met the love of his life, Mary Lou Jordan, on a blind date in Austin, Texas. They were married on October 3, 1959, and moved to Amarillo, where they built a family and legacy that will carry on for generations. Despite Mary Lou’s passing in 2009, Les’ love for her remained unwavering, and he found solace and companionship in the embrace of his family and friends.

A devoted father to Stacey, Stephanie, and Scott, he was a constant and guiding force for his family. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend. He enjoyed coaching his kids’ track, basketball and baseball teams, snow skiing and riding motorcycles in the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico, and vacationing in Hawaii, Mexico and the Bahamas. He was an avid pheasant hunter and golfer. 

Les took great pride in his career as a brick and stone mason. He was a partner in and later sole owner of Van Doran Bri-Tico. His enduring legacy of craftsmanship is evident in the brick and stonework on many buildings in the Amarillo and greater Panhandle region including Northwest Texas Hospital, Panhandle Plains Museum, BSA Hospital, the Amarillo Art Center and many other buildings and schools in the area.

Les and his family were members of Southwest Church of Christ for more than 35 years. His church and faith were very important to him. 

In addition to his loving wife Mary Lou, Les was preceded in death by his parents, William Raymond and Eno Harper, and sisters Mary Ruth Fergus and Jean Wheeler. He is survived by his beloved children, Stacey Harris (Danny) of Amarillo, Stephanie Friemel (Mike) of Amarillo, and Scott Harper (Ann) of Dallas, Texas, as well as grandchildren, Whitney Scott-Jones (Shaun), Landon Harris (Stephanie), Brett Friemel (Chelsea), Myles Friemel and Cole Friemel, and great-grandchildren, Skye, Maddox, Hudson, Rowan, and Evelyn. He is also survived by his sister Linda Sue Caradine, sister-in-law Peggy Sue Wieland, niece Janna Wampler, and nephews Shuck Wieland and Bob Wheeler.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Ruby Slippers, BSA Hospice and BSA Hospital physicians and nursing staff for the excellent care, comfort and support they provided to Les during his brief illness. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to High Plains Children’s Home or an act of kindness to another in remembrance of Les. 

Private graveside services and interment will be at Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors. Although we mourn the loss of Les, we take great comfort in knowing he and Mary Lou are eternally reunited!