Dale Lee Harper, age 85, of Riverton, WV passed away at his home on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 following an extended illness.  He was born on January 29, 1940 in Simoda, WV, the son of the late J. Paul Harper and Mary (Adams) Vandevander. On April 17, 1965, Dale married Shirley M. (Mallow) Harper, who survives in Riverton.

Mr. Harper graduated in 1958 from Circleville High School and was a member of the North Fork Baptist Church.  After graduation, Dale drove a dairy truck delivering milk for Hartzler Dairy Farms before moving to Beltsville, Maryland and working at the Beltsville Agriculture Research Center.  After marriage, Dale and Shirley moved back to WV where he was employed by Howes Leather Company in Bartow and later  attended the WV State Police Academy while employed at Huttonsville Correctional Center.  He transitioned from there to driving a school bus for the Pendleton County Board of Education where he enjoyed the day to day interactions with the students until his retirement in 2002. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

In addition to his wife, Dale leaves behind to cherish his memory: a daughter, Sandra Waldron (Randy) of Petersburg, WV; a son, Mark Harper (Tammy) of Petersburg, WV; 2 sisters, Kay Newbrough (Freddie) of Shinnston, WV; Jo Ann Gilardi of Bartow, WV; 5 brothers, William Vandevander (MaryAnn) of Durbin, WV; Daniel Vandevander of Bartow, WV; David Vandevander (Donna) of Bartow, WV; Dallas Vandevander (Becky) of Green Bank, WV; Douglas Vandevander (Amy) of Thornwood, WV; a brother-in-law, Fred Greer; 4 Grandchildren, Kelsey Longbon (Dalton); Kensey Harper; Alex and Adrianna Waldron.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Judy Greer.

Dale's family will receive friends on Thursday, April 17, 2025, 11-2 PM at the Basagic Funeral Home in Petersburg, WV.  Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Mike Clements officiating.  Interment will be in the North Fork Memorial Cemetery, Riverton, WV. Memorials may be made to the North Fork Baptist Church, PO Box 46 Riverton, WV 26814 or charity of the donors choice. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.