Kenneth "Chico" Young Harper

Mr. Kenneth “Chico” Harper, age 90 of Franklin, KY, passed away on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 at 2:30 AM at the Medical Center of Franklin, KY.  

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 24th, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory.  Visitation will continue on Tuesday, April 25th from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM with interment to follow in Sulphur Spring Cemetery in Simpson County, KY with Military Rights given by the Simpson County Honor Guard.  

Chico was born on November 22, 1932 in Auburn, KY to the late Jesse Nicholas Harper and the late Allie Young Harper.  He is also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Alan Woodward.  Kenneth was the youngest of 8 children and preceded in death by siblings: W. B. Harper, Alleyene Marbury, Rufus Harper, Johnny Harper, J.N. Harper, Earl Harper, and Georgia Greer.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Clara Nell (Taylor) Harper; 2 children, Ben Taylor Harper (Janice) and Beverly Woodward of Auburn, KY; 4 grandchildren, Allie Harper Brown (Marty), Benjamin Taylor Harper (Amanda), Connor Alan Woodward and Katherine Taylor Woodward; and 3 great-grandchildren, Aubrey Brown, Forest Harper and Loralie Harper.

Chico was a graduate of Auburn High School  He was a member of Auburn Baptist Church.  Chico was a Sergeant in the National Guard for over 10 years.  He was elected Magistrate of Simpson County and served from 1970-1981 and then was elected County Judge Executive and served from 1982-1998.  Chico also served on the Simpson County Health Department Board, The Barren River District Health Board, The Barren River Area Development District Board, President of the KACO Board and President of the NACO Board.  

He was an avid Kentucky Wildcat fan and he loved spending time with his family and playing cards with friends.  When health allowed, he spent his mornings with friends at the Moore's Coffee Club.    

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Auburn Baptist Church, 115 Lincoln Street, Auburn, KY 42206 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory.  The website is www.gilbertfhonline.com.  The Facebook page is Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.  The obituary phone line is 270-586-8844.

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