Obituary of Bob Houston Harper

   Bob “Rocky” Houston Harper left our world on Sunday, March 3rd, 2019 at the age of 69.   He was born on September 9, 1949 in Corsicana, Texas to Joe and Joy (Horn) Harper. He graduated Salutatorian from Mildred High School, where he established himself as a hungry student and a bone crushing competitive athlete for the Eagles.  He would earn an Associate’s degree in Mathematics from Navarro Junior College before continuing his studies at the University of Houston.

     In the early 70s, he found his way to LaPorte, where he lived on Galveston Bay and met his wife of 45 years, Brenda Porter.  Rocky was an oil and gas man, working 35 years and into retirement for Schlumberger Offshore Well Services, as an offshore operator and seismic specialist.  His talent would take him around the world, one of a select few able, to analyze and repair equipment related to the advent of Geosteering.  

     His retirement allowed for long years at ease on his East Texas pine tree farm, clearing brush, creating an intricate trail system, amassing an extensive cacti and succulent collection, and growing a bi-annual garden.  It also gave him plenty of time to bird watch, write, explore the cosmos, immerse himself in study, and love on his grandchildren.  

     Rocky had a profound understanding of mathematics, and its place in the world around him. He was a student of world religion, philosophy, politics, astronomy, genealogy, ornithology, photography, videography, and botany. He was a life long teacher, progressive, and social justice advocate. He was known to write many letters to Congressman-locally, statewide, and nationally seeking answers or exerting concerns.  Rocky was a member of the  Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society for over 30 years and the Executive Secretary of the International Occultation Timing Association for over a decade. He built custom observatories and greenhouses for his studies.  He was also an accomplished beer guzzler, adventurer, disc jockey, and fun-seeker.  Where he loved unanswered questions, nature, a choice buzz, the environment, and the Cosmos, there was nothing he loved like his family. 

Rocky is survived by his brother, Rodney Harper,  of Phmon Pinh, Cambodia,  his daughter, Megan Harper of Houston, his son, Justin Harper and wife Rachel of Crosby.  His grandchildren Lane, Jack, Bannister, and Benjamin Harper will surely miss their Papa.

The remains of his body not used to advance science will be scattered across Big Bend National Park by his immediate family, and a memorial service will be held at the home of his daughter on April 6th, 2019. Please contact Justin (7135163365) or Megan (7135161877) if you would like to join us.