Kenneth F. Harper

Kenneth F. Harper, 94, affectionately known as Ken, was born on January 15, 1931, in Covington, Kentucky. He departed this life on November 21, 2025, at Emerald Trace, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by many.

Ken's lifelong commitment to service is reflected in his vast career and community contributions. A proud graduate of the Kentucky Military Institute, Ken was involved in various enterprises, serving as President of Harper Group, LLC, DBA Harper Realty, and was the President and General Manager of Professional Business Service of Kentucky, Inc. from 1953 until 1971. His influence extended into the banking sector, where he was a Director at First National Bank & Trust Co. in Covington from 1968 to 1984 and served on the USBANKCORP Northern Kentucky Regional Advisory Board from 1989 to 2014. His retirement from US Bank’s Central Kentucky Advisory Board came after a distinguished career that also included directorships with Southeastern Mutual Insurance Companies and Anthem Insurance Companies throughout the Midwest.

Politics held a significant place in Ken’s heart. He served as a State Representative for the 63rd District for 8 terms, from 1964-1968 and 1982-1994. His government service included roles as Secretary of State for the Commonwealth of Kentucky (appointed), Chairman of the State Board of Elections, and contributions to the Kentucky Department of Public Information and Child Welfare. He was a respected member of the National Republican Legislators Association, serving as its Past President in 1992, and was a notable speaker at the 1982 Republican National Convention in Houston, Texas.

Education was pivotal in Ken's life, having attended the Kentucky Military Institute in Lyndon, Kentucky, graduating in the class of 1948. His respect for education did not wane, as evidenced by his leadership as the Chairman of the Northern Kentucky University Foundation from 1997 to 2002. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Education from NKU in 2025 for his work on legislation creating Northern Kentucky State College, later to become Northern Kentucky University.

Ken's dedication to giving back to his community was viewed as one of his proudest accomplishments. He was an active member and past president of the Covington Rotary Club, contributing significantly to various boards including the Rotary Foundation and often receiving accolades for his service. He also played leadership roles in the Kentucky Jaycees, the Campbell Lodge Home for Boys, and countless other organizations dedicated to the betterment of society.

In recognition of his substantial contributions, Ken received numerous awards including the Distinguished Young Man of Kentucky in 1963, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Republican Party of Kenton County in 2000, and the Kenton County Pioneer Award Honoree in 2021. His influence continued with the establishment of the Ken Harper Award by the Covington Rotary Foundation in 2019, which recognizes outstanding service and commitment to the community.

Ken is survived by his loving children: Gregory Harper, Scott (Kate) Harper, Glenn (Paula) Harper, Bryan (Janet) Harper, and Lesley (Victor) Hugo; grandchildren: Andrew Harper, John Harper, Mitchell Harper, Kole Feinauer, Keirstin Johnston, Stephanie Silber, Nathan Zeidler and 6 great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eileen Harper Nee: Kathman; his parents, Kenneth and Elizabeth Harper, sister, Litta Harper, and daughter in law Naomi Bradford.

Visitation will be held at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, on December 1, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 9:45 AM, followed by a Mass at 9:45 AM. Ken will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Covington Rotary Foundation, c/o Nancy Keathley, 1885 Dixie Hwy Ft. Wright, Ky 41011. NKU Foundation - Eileen K. Harper Memorial Scholarship Fund - 5320 Campus Drive, AC 221 Highland Heights, KY 41099. Thomas More University 333 Thomas More Parkway Crestview Hills, Kentucky 41017.

As we remember Kenneth F. Harper, we celebrate a life dedicated to public service, community engagement, and familial love. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.