Obituary of Charles Edward Harper Jr.

Charles Edward Harper Jr. passed away May 2, 2022, in Lacey, Washington, his home of 50 years. He was born August 3, 1968, to Charles Edward Harper Sr. and Ida Mae Dillard Harper in Columbus, Georgia, USA.

Charles graduated from Timberline High School in 1986 and earned a BA degree in History from The Evergreen State College in Olympia. He married Ann Marie Polanco on September 14, 1992. He was employed by Washington State.

Charles was extremely smart, well-read, inquisitive, curious, and enjoyed learning; he was a history buff. He was funny, quick-witted, had a great sense of humor and contagious laugh.

His interests were wide ranging. He loved motorcycles, woodworking, reading, walking, music, and botany. He enjoyed good food, especially Korean, Vietnamese and Mexican dishes. He loved cooking these foreign foods, and even smoked his own meat. Charles became proficient at

Spanish and was very proud of practicing the language every day for a year. He loved spending time in Mexico and exploring different tequilas in search of the perfect margarita!

He loved children. One of his great joys was spending time with his great nephews. He alsoenjoyed cuddling with his sister’s dog, Chloe.

Charles is loved and missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his parents; son, Alexander I. Polanco Harper; daughter, Victoria Celeste Polanco Harper; and sisters, Debra F. Harper Lazara, Dora M. Harper Duval, and Donna K. Harper Wilson. He was predeceased by his wife, Ann Marie Polanco Harper (1-8-1964 to12-4-2020).

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