Russell Wayne Harps Sr.

Russell Wayne Harps, Sr., 68, of Washington, died Wednesday, February 11, 2009, in Washington County Health Center, following a lengthy illness. He was born November 18, 1940, in Washington, a son of William A. and Ethel Haines Harps. Mr. Harps enlisted in the United States Army on February 3, 1960, and served until his honorable discharge on February 6, 1963, as a Specialist, 4th grade. He earned a Marksman, Rifle M-14, Commendation. For 40 years, Mr. Harps was self-employed in the vinyl siding business. He enjoyed NASCAR and sports, and was a member of the VFW and Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion. Mr. Harps was Protestant. On December 31, 1987, he married Evelyn Ivyjane Gallo, who died February 4, 2005. Surviving are four sons, Russell Wayne Harps, Jr., of Washington, Charles Williams, Sr., of Bonifay, Florida, Michael Anthony Williams of Parkersburg, West Virginia, and John Thomas Williams of Washington; three daughters, Lisa Jo Harps of Kentucky, Tina (Michael) Thorn of Thornton, West Virginia, and Denise (Richard) McAllister of Belleview, Illinois; four brothers, Merle E. Harps of Ocala, Florida, Carl Harps of Washington, Glenn Harps of Ocala, Florida, and Paul Harps of Washington; one sister, Ruth Ann Cox of Anderson, South Carolina; and 17 grandchildren. Deceased are three brothers, Bill, Walter and Allan Harps; and two sisters, Mary Clark and Helen Konyk. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 14th, with Rev. Rick Bruckner officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.