Evan Harper

Jonathan Evan Harper was born on February 29, 1984, to Patricia Holm Harper and the late Jon Franklin Harper. He passed from this life on May 30, 2026.

He lived a life as unique as his birthday.

During his early years in Kent, Ohio he began his journey of discovery. He loved to inquire, to write, to question, to self-reflect and to explore.

During his life Evan loved his family and friends. He truly cared about their lives. Pat wants to thank Josh, Dan, Charlie, Dave, Jeff, David, Eric, Seth, Brenden, Robin, Becky, Jessi, AJ, Kat and others for being in his world in small and big ways.

Evan attended Ithaca College, Kent State University and Lakeland Community College, always majoring in Writing.

He found his community in Columbus. Evan blossomed as he discovered the culinary arts and loved his work at the Columbus Club. He was forever changed by his friend and mentor, Chef Josh. He loved to prepare seafood, especially oysters.

He endured going blind and loved the life it gave him.

Like in his treasured “Moby Dick”, Evan’s life was a search for meaning. He read a little bit of the book each day and his next goal in life was to participate in the annual Moby Dick Marathon at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

In addition to Pat, Evan is survived by Aunt Hannah, Uncle Charlie and Aunt Nikki, Uncle Doug and Aunt Mary, cousins Sam, Annie, Chris, Caty, Steve, Eric, Mary Beth, Ben and Carrie.

Calling hours will be held 3:00pm-4:00pm Friday, June 19, 2026, at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, Ohio 44240. A Gathering will follow at 4PM Friday, June 19, 2026, at Bissler & Sons.

Gifts in honor of Jonathan Evan Harper can be made to the New Bedford Whaling Museum:

On-line: https://www.whalingmuseum.org/support/give/.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.