Stephen Edward Harper

Stephen Edward Harper, age 65, of Marion, Virginia, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Gray Ridge Village.

Born on February 15, 1961, in Louisville, Kentucky, Steve was the son of the late Edward Duane and Marjorie Louise Harper. A devoted and talented brother, he cultivated a lifelong passion for music and art. Growing up in Louisville, he played trumpet in the high school marching band and went on to master acoustic and electric guitar, electronic keyboards, piano, violin, alto and soprano recorders, and harmonica. Steve had a remarkable ability to learn almost any instrument quickly. He played by ear across many genres, from classical and hymns to rock, and was equally skilled at reading and writing musical notation. Above all, he found joy in composing and arranging his own music and sharing those performances with others.

Steve was equally dedicated to visual art. He sketched and painted throughout his life, frequently winning ribbons at the County Fair in Harlan, Kentucky, where he lived for many years. He particularly loved creating landscapes and nature scenes, which he gave freely to those he cared about. Despite facing many hardships, Steve worked hard at everything he undertook and remained deeply cherished by his family.

He is survived by his sister, Cynthia Hendel, and her husband Chris, along with a niece, grand-niece, nephew, uncle, and cousin. The family will honor his memory privately.