Royal Sterling Harper, age 73, passed away, reuniting with loved ones on Monday August 19, 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was born on February 2, 1951 in Arkansas City, Kansas to Royal Sabert Harper and Viola Margery (Ellis) Harper. Sterling graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1969 and from Oklahoma State University with a BA in Art.

He married Constance Dumenil in 1974 and divorced in 1988. In 1991 he met his life partner, John Lasater who survives.

Sterling co-founded the Uncommon Market, an antique furniture and interior design store from 1982- to 2011. His buying trips took him all over Europe, especially England. His impeccable interior design work was in high demand throughout south central Kansas and beyond. Sterling was passionate about helping others in need and gave generously to the poor and needy. He loved his many dogs throughout his lifetime. Sterling read his daily devotions faithfully. He often visited family in Germany and spent many summers at his grandparent's cabin in Evergreen, Colorado. Sterling enjoyed the sacredness of cemeteries and was inspired by the monuments honoring the deceased.

He is survived by his older brother, Frederick (Fred) O'Neal Harper of Arkansas City, Kansas and loving relative, Hedwig (Hedy) Taube of Mint Hill, North Carolina, and by his faithful Dachshund, Fritz.

A memorial service will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE. on Tuesday, August 27, 2020 at 2:00 pm. He will be interred in the family plot in Arkansas City, Kansas in the fall.