Paul Richard Harper Jr.

Paul Richard Harper, Jr. (aka “Little Rick”), 49, passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2020. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 19, 1971, he was the son of Paul Richard Harper, Sr. and Harriet Grace (Woodford) Harper.

Paul was a graduate of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School (‘89) and a Wabash College (’94) alumni. Paul went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1998. Paul loved basketball; he played for the varsity team and was a star player for the Brebeuf Braves and the Wabash Little Giants.

Baptized at seven years old in the Mt. Paran Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Paul always considered Mt. Paran his home church and where his foundation in Christ began. The Speedway United Methodist Church welcomed Paul and his Wife, Marci, into its congregation and continued their relationship with Christ when the two were married within its Chapel on September 29, 2012.

Paul was admitted to the Indiana Bar in 1999. Following his admission, Paul served as a public defender at the Marion County Public Defender Agency, later establishing a solo practice focused on criminal defense. Paul was a fierce advocate and accomplished litigator, representing his clients with zeal and determination. Later in his career, Paul went on to work in sales and tax preparation, committed to being supportive of and involved with his family.

Paul rejoiced in spending time with family and friends and he thoroughly enjoyed and sought thoughtful and idea-exchanging conversations, wherever he could. However, Paul’s greatest joy and sense of purpose rested in his daughter. Paul was a loving, committed and caring father and his memory will live on in Eliza, in the lessons and love he shared with her.

Paul is survived by his Wife, Marcia J. Ferree Harper; Daughter, Eliza Ethia Irene Harper; Mother, Harriet Grace (Woodford) Harper; Sisters, Shannon Nikoe Harper and Stephanie (Harper) Parham; Sister-in-law, Casey Sullivan; Father-in-law, Dennis Ferree; Nieces, Alexxus Grace Watson, Malaney Jo Sullivan and Demetria Burnett; Nephew, Maguire Carl Sullivan and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his Father; Mother-in-law, Deeda Ferree; and nephew, John Davis, Jr.

Private Funeral services will be held at Speedway United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 19, 2020. Pastor Alex Stone officiating. Burial will be held immediately after at Floral Cemetery in Indianapolis.

Services are in care of Flanner and Buchanan in Speedway, Indiana. Online streaming service at 2:00pm can be found at Speedway United Methodist Church, Facebook Live.

Memorial Contributions may be given to the Speedway United Methodist Church 5065 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46224.https://youtu.be/emea9Ujx4XQ