Dennis Gail Harper

Dennis Gail Harper

Ava, Missouri

Dennis Gail Harper, 68 years, 7 days old, passed away on May 5, 2026 at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare in Ava, Missouri.

Dennis was born April 29, 1958, in Gainesville, Missouri, to W. Austin and Wilma (Garrison) Harper. He graduated from Ava High School in 1976.

He enjoyed growing up on the farm on Dogwood Hill. He loved the animals, the creek, and the woods.

After graduation he would volunteer and work at the Douglas County Workshop in Ava. He enjoyed that and loved making people laugh. One of his favorite hobbies was studying maps and atlases.  He also enjoyed looking at National Geographic magazines and following Missouri Conservation.  In addition, he loved history. When he became a resident of Heart of the Ozarks he developed friendships there and became known as their “Batman.” While there, he knew the residents' names, first and last. Plus, he knew all the nurses by name. He liked to sing, joke, and best of all he loved to talk about Jesus!

Dennis was baptized and a member of Dogwood Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Wilma; and his sister, June Wilson Weaver.

Dennis is survived by his sister, Kathy Harper, and her children, Michael Harper and Sarah DeShields; two great nieces, Jordan and Destinee; his adopted sister, Susie Arnett; nephew, Billy Weaver; extended family, and his friends at Heart of the Ozarks. Dennis will be greatly missed, especially his smile!

Funeral services for Dennis will be Monday, May 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, Missouri, with burial following in the Dogwood Cemetery, Douglas County, Missouri (W. Hwy 14 from Ava). Visitation will be prior to the service Monday at 1:30 p.m. He will be laid to rest beside his mother. Officiating will be Pastor Kevin Cornelius. Memorials may be made to Dogwood Cemetery. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, Missouri.