Harco co-founder Keith Harper passes

March 12, 2020

UPDATE: Out of safety and concern for the community, the facility hosting the celebration of life for Keith Harper has postponed all events of 10 people or more. We will post notices when the celebration event is rescheduled. Be safe and well and please keep the Harper family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

Harco Constructors is grieved to announce the passing of Keith Harper. Keith founded Harco with his brother Chuck Harper in 1985 and served the company as Vice President and General Superintendent. 

Keith died peacefully at his home on Wednesday March 11, 2020, in Ward, Arkansas. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2018. Keith stepped away from day-to-day operations shortly after diagnosis, and he and his wife, Nikki, moved to the family’s property at Cypress Farms.

Keith is survived in death by his loving wife Nikki Malak Harper of 39 years, two sons, Ryan Harper and Niklas Harper of Maumelle, one brother, Chuck Harper (Cindy) of Little Rock, two sisters, Donna Harper of El Paso and Traci Harper Croy (Aaron) of Conway, 14 nieces and nephews and nine great nieces and nephews.

Keith was born on July 23, 1958, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Charles C. Harper and Shirley McElyea Harper Gates. He graduated from Ole Main High in 1976 and married Nikki, his high school sweetheart, in 1981. 

On the construction site, Keith was known and respected by both clients and sub-contractors  for his no-nonsense approach to making sure a job was run well, schedules were met with margin, and quality was held up to his high standards. 

“I’ve known Keith for 28 years. He has been one of my best friends,” said Paul Riser, one of Keith’s long time clients and close friends. “Keith treated everyone equally. Very genuine. Very honest. Somebody you could count on. I was fortunate to have someone like Kieth in my life.”

A celebration of Keith’s life is scheduled for 3:00 PM, Tuesday, March 17, at New Life Church’s Greater Little Rock Campus at 8000 Chrystal Hill Rd., North Little Rock, Arkansas 72118. Pastor Calvin Barnes will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to www.ALS-Arkansas.org at 1200 West Walnut, Suite 2406, Rogers, AR 72756.

The family would like to thank the ALS center at UAMS, ALS Arkansas, Elite Hospice of Searcy, among the countless friends and family that have been so supportive during his journey with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.