Obituary: Captain Robert M. Harp, U.S. Navy
Captain Robert Maurice Harp, 95, died Oct. 30, 2024.
Captain Robert "Bob" Maurice Harp (U.S. Navy, retired) passed away on Oct. 30, 2024, at the age of 95. Bob lived a remarkable life, full of passion, unwavering dedication and boundless love for family and friends.
Bob was born on Feb. 20, 1929, in Winchester, Kentucky, to Reverend Harry L. Harp (Church of God) and Henrietta M. (née Hostetler). He was the beloved husband of Ellen M. (née Heath) for 64 wonderful years; cherished father of Todd (Deanna) Harp and Lynn (Mark) Spraetz; loving grandfather to Chelsea, Trevor, and Nick Spraetz; and dear brother to Phil (Twyla) Harp, Dave (Sheila) Harp, Tom (Elfried) Harp, and the late Dick (Clella) Harp and Betty (Jim) York.
Bob’s naval career began in 1952. Initially commissioned as an Ensign aboard the USS Mount Olympus, his enthusiasm for aviation soon led him to flight school. After receiving his wings, he joined VS-30 attached to several Essex Class carriers.
Bob flew reconnaissance missions from aircraft carriers and held numerous esteemed positions including serving as an instructor at NAS Pensacola, earning a Master’s degree at the Naval Postgraduate School and attending the Naval War College. In 1973, Bob received orders to lead the Miami University NROTC Unit. Bob retired from the Navy in 1978.
Post-retirement, Bob and his family returned to Oxford, Ohio. He became deeply involved in the Oxford United Methodist Church. He also taught in the Management Department at the Farmer School of Business at Miami University from 1979 to 2005.
Family meant everything to Bob. Whether he was building a cradle for his first grandchild or working on projects at their beloved home, "Stoney Brook," he approached everything with skill, love, and dedication.
A visitation for Bob will be held on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, at Paul R. Young Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 p.m. Interment will follow at Oxford Cemetery.
This obituary originally appeared on the website of Paul R. Young Funeral Home and has been edited for length.
