HAMMOND, La. —William R. Harper, 83, of Ponchatoula, La., passed away, Monday, April 7, 2014, at University Hospital.

He was born on Sunday, Jan. 11, 1931, in Meridian, the son of the late James B. Harper and the late Myrtle Mahaffey Harper.

He was a 50-year member of the Livingston Masonic Lodge 160. William was the 6th Ward constable for eight years and the bailiff for the 21st Judicial Court and Hammond City Court. He was also employed for Ponchatoula Feed and Seed for over 30 years.

Surviving are wife of 32 years, Catherine Kluka Harper; daughters, Barbara and husband Joseph “Bo” Monistere, Patricia and husband Ricky Sanchez and Deborah Switzer; stepsons, Larry and wife Robbie Yent, Robert and wife Emily Yent, and Allen and wife Donna Sue Yent; grandchildren, Tiffany and husband Christopher Goings, Amie and husband George Bergeron, Ronnie Bergeron Jr. and wife Misty, Dustin and wife Samantha Switzer, Lt. Michael Brandon and wife Amanda Switzer, step-grandchildren, Dalton Yent and Brice Yent; great-grandchildren, Tyler Goings, Madison Goings, Mackenzie Bergeron, Kaine Bergeron, Brenon Bergeron, Michaela Switzer, Hannah Switzer, step-great-grandchildren, Brent Huffman, Breanna Huffman and McKenzie Redmond; brothers, James “Bud” Harper and Cecil and wife Karen Harper; sister, Sue Harper.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Middleton; grandchildren, Melissa Jo Monistere and Shane Michael Switzer.

Friends will be received today from 6 to 9 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond.
Visitation will resume on Thursday, April 10, 2014, from 8a.m. until funeral services begins at 11 a.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home – Hammond.
Interment will follow at Wadesboro Cemetery Ponchatoula.

An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.