Roy W. Harper, 55, Retired from Ford in 1991, very talented in the martial arts

He was a graduate of Amherst Marion L. Steele High School. Roy was employed on the assembly line at Ford Motor, Lorain for 25 years, retiring in 1991. He attended the West Ridge Baptist Church, South Amherst. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Union Local # 425 and the Interstate Truckers Van Club.

Roy enjoyed martial arts, and began training in September of 1975, where he had obtained the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt in American Ji Do Kwan Karate, the 1st Degree Black Belt in Judo, the 1st Degree Black Belt in Ju-Jitsu and was also skilled in the art of Tai Chi Chuan and Arnis. His affiliations over the years have included the Unity Martial Arts Association, the United States Martial Arts Association, the American Karate Black Belt Association, the United Professional Karate Society, the United States Karate Association, the Korea Taekwondo Association and "Kicks", the professional martial arts demonstration team. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Martial Arts, in Lakewood. He was also a graduate of the Northern Ohio Police Academy.

He is survived by his companion of the last 8 years, Karen R. Nolan, two daughters, Christy Foley of Lufkin, Texas and Becky Harper of Austin, Texas, 7 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, mother, Martha Marie (nee Kerns) Harper, of South Amherst, brothers Ronnie and Terry, both of Amherst, and Larry of South Amherst.

He was preceded in death by his father, Doy R. Harper, in 2001.

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 19, 2003 from 2-9 PM in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain. They will also receive friends on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until time of funeral services at 11:00 AM, in the West Ridge Enterprise Baptist Church, 46280 Telegraph Road, South Amherst, with the Rev. Bill Fraley, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, South Amherst.

Contributions can be made if desired to the donor's favorite charity.