Robert "Bob" G. Harp, Sr.

Robert G. Harp, Sr., 92, of Evansville, Indiana went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on March 13, 2024. 

Bob was born on April 29,1931, in Evansville, Indiana, to William Earl, Sr. and Mildred (Schabel) Harp.  His father was a local entrepreneur and founder of Harp's Fish Market. 

Bob graduated from Bosse High School in 1950 where he was known for being a basketball star on their team.  He attended Evansville College before serving his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.  

After serving in the war, Bob worked in the family business, Harp's Fish Market.  But Bob had his own entrepreneurial spirit and began his long-term residential and commercial real estate career, spanning over 60 years, starting in 1959.  Additionally, in 1969, Bob with his wife, Dee Dee, started a day care based in their home, Royal Child Care.  Royal Child Care ended up growing out of their home to become the largest privately-owned childcare center in the city.  Bob and Dee Dee transitioned out of childcare services in the 1990's. 

A key to Bob’s success was his genuine care for people and his willingness to go out of his way to try to be helpful.  Several years later after owning his own real estate company, he joined ERA First Advantage Realty, Inc.  In 2020, ERA recognized Bob with "The Lifetime Real Estate Achievement Award" due to his many years of service to ERA and dedication to the Evansville community.   

Bob and Dee Dee were founding members of Christian Fellowship Church in 1974, which has continued to be their home church over the past 50 years.  Bob enjoyed serving as a faithful head usher for many years and was a very active leader and mentor in the church.  

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Dee Dee; daughter, Kim Miley (John III); grandchildren, John (Marie) Miley IV, Jeffrey (Kate) Miley, Christopher (Rachel) Norris, Craig Norris, Michael Fine, Sarah Fine, Preston Harp, and Natalie Harp; and 9 great-grandchildren.   

In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his brother, William Earl Harp, Jr.; daughters, Karen Fine, Tina Norris, and son, Robert Harp, Jr.  

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Christian Fellowship Church, 4100 Millersburg Road, Evansville, Indiana 47725, officiated by Pastors David Niednagel, Dale Beaver, and Carl Mann. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, where the American Legion Kapperman Post #44 will render military rites.     

Family and friends may visit Monday, March 18, 2024, 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Boone Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47715, and from 10:00 a.m. until service time at, Christian Fellowship Church, March 19, 2024, at 4100 Millersburg Road, Evansville, Indiana 47725.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Christian Fellowship Church.  

Boone Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Robert G. Harp, Sr., Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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