Larry Harper

Edward Lawrence Harper, of Nashville, IL, entered Jesus’ loving embrace on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 3 p.m. while at St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was a force on this earth for 69 years. Most people knew him as Larry. His hometown called him Tiny. To his students he was Mr. Harper. To his players he was Coach. Some probably called him other names from time to time which, if we’re being honest, he probably deserved. No matter what you called him, chances are you also called him a loyal friend, because he certainly was.

Larry was born on March 7, 1956 as the oldest of five children to Rev. Edward and Mary (Madley) Harper, then of Evanston, IL, while they were visiting family in Christopher, IL. He always knew how to make an entrance on his own terms and time. As the son of a Methodist minister, he grew up all over Illinois, eventually graduating from Nashville High School in 1974.

He married Shelley Nagel on December 17, 1977 at St. Paul UCC in Nashville. The 80s was a big decade for him as he welcomed his son Patrick into the world, graduated from McKendree College with a degree in education, and began his 30-year career as a math teacher at Coulterville Unit School District #1. He also was a passionate baseball and basketball coach. Many a clipboard fell victim to that passion, but it also positively impacted players in both Coulterville and Marissa programs. Early in his career he even coached cheerleading. His family didn’t believe it either, but there are pictures.

Larry was a faithful member of St. Paul UCC where he was a dedicated (and loud) bass in the church choir. Music was always a part of Larry’s life with Bill Gaither, Elvis Presley, Meatloaf, and Queen often flowing from his speakers, lips, and heart. His love of community was evident and you could often find him serving others with his brother Masons from Washington Lodge #55, his fellow Shriners in the Nuts n’ Bolts car club, or just lending a helping hand to a neighbor. One of his greatest joys later in life was announcing Nashville Hornet baseball games alongside Bo Meyer on WNSV. It’s still hard to believe they gave that man a microphone and didn’t go broke for foul language fines.

Larry’s road to Heaven was walked first by his parents, a sister Mary-Margaret Harper, and his best four-legged buddy Milo. Those now trying to fill the void of love and energy he left behind include his wife Shelley of Nashville; his son Patrick (Erica) Harper of Springfield, IL; his beloved grandchildren Addy and Finn; two brothers, Paul (Diane) Harper of Sherrills Ford, NC and Lee Harper of Las Vegas, NV; his sister Audrey Mahan of Las Vegas, NV; and his new furry friend Ella. All invite you to grab a Bloody Mary beer with a bourbon back, put on a Meatloaf album full blast, and play air drums while dancing ridiculously until your knees hurt in honor of a man who would love every second of that.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at St. Paul UCC church in Nashville, IL with Rev. Beverly Kahle officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic Cemetery in Nashville. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025 and for one hour prior to Saturday’s services, both at the church. In honor of Larry’s love of sports, his family encourages visitors to wear jerseys or shirts from their favorite teams to Friday's visitation: pro teams, school teams, anything. You can even wear a Cubs jersey if you absolutely have to. There will be a Masonic Service at 8 p.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital or the Washington Lodge #55 Scholarship Fund. Styninger Funeral Home in Nashville is in charge of arrangements. 

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