Eugene Harper Tenney, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 14, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Harper was a Christian and served the Lord in many capacities, bringing countless others to God. He attended Halo Community Church as an adult

Harper’s life began in the hills of Randolph County on Christmas Day in 1931, and he attended a small country school and church in the community of High Germany. In 2015 Harper was awarded an Honorary Diploma during the Veterans’ Day Ceremony at Webster County High School. Harper had an attentive devoted family with his beloved wife, Pauline Burnside Tenney. Pauline and Harper met shortly after Harper returned from serving his country in the Korean War in 1953. Harper fell in love with Pauline immediately, even telling her that she would one day be his wife on their very first date. Their love story continued for 62 years, blessing them with 6 children, 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter. Their children were blessed to learn many values, taught a strong work ethic, and had the Golden Rule instilled in them very early. Harper worked as a Coal Company Superintendent for nearly 40 years, providing a comfortable and happy home for his wife and 6 children: Barbara Jean and her husband Ed Rose of Beckley, WV, Carolyn Joyce and her husband Craig Williams of Cowen, WV, Anita Carole and her husband Rodney Stanley of Morgantown, WV, Margaret Marie and her husband Tim Rigsby of Moundsville, WV, Rodney Eugene and his wife Kim Hayhurst Tenney of Cowen and Connie Anne and her husband Michael Joe Robinson of Webster Springs, WV. Also surviving are brother, Lawrence Tenney and family of Randolph County and Retha Hildreth and family of New Lebanon, OH.

Harper and Pauline owned and operated Tenney’s Department Store in Cowen, WV for many years. Harper and Pauline were well-known in the community and were often seen taking their daily ride to look for deer. Harper’s companions were his beloved dogs Missie and Vanna. The neighbors of Cowen Bottom, Randy Temple, Jesse & Bertie Bennett, Becky & Ronnie Spence and Jane Cobb, among others, provided great support for Harper in his later years. Family friend and Nurse Practitioner, Milissa Short, provided loving care for Harper and helped the family, going far beyond expectations. Harper shared a great friendship with his physical therapist Amber Hamrick and Nurse Peggy Starcher, and home caregivers Tammy Workman and Doris Cogar.

Harper was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Burnside Tenney, his parents, Edward, and Eva Scott Tenney, his brothers, Donal Evert Tenney, Ralph Ellis Tenney and Dorsey Lee Tenney, and his granddaughters, Miranda Nicole Tenney and Chloe Shea Rose Keffer.

Service will be 1:00 PM Wednesday May 17, 2017 at Morris Funeral Home Cowen, WV with Pastor Craig Williams officiating. Burial with full military honors conducted by American Legion post #62 will follow at the Odd Fellows cemetery Cowen, WV. Friends may call from 6:00- 8:00 Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com.

Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home