Harper A. Holgate

Harper A. Holgate of Scranton, formerly of Falls and Arizona, died Monday morning at home. His wife, the former Edna Mae Williams, died Nov. 10, 1988.

Born in Clarks Summit, son of the late Allen Edward and Marion Johnson Holgate, he was a World War II Army veteran and was self-employed as a carpenter. A self described "jack-of-all- trades, master of none," he was also a steam-shovel operator in the flood of 1955 in Stroudsburg, worked in the mines, farmed the land, was a lumberjack and also worked as a security guard later in his life in Arizona. In his earlier years, working with his hands was his passion and remodeling was his favorite job. In his later years, gun-smithing became his passion. Harper supported the right to bear arms, enjoyed nature, classical music, loved his family and enjoyed sharing his wisdom and talent with his children and grandchildren. He also took great pride in his service to his country.

Surviving are a son, Jeffrey and wife, Cathy, Bushkill; two daughters, Deborah Graham and husband, Thomas Russell, with whom he resided; and Sandra Holgate, Jermyn; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; eight stepgreat-grandchildren; two brothers, Boyd and wife, Mary Jane, Dalton; and Douglas, Glenburn; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Willard, Haydon, Cliff and Keith Holgate; and three sisters, Irma Anderson, Dolly Carpenter and Frances Sutton.

A celebration of Harper's life will be Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit.

Friends may call Thursday, 2 to 4. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411