Vernon "Butch" L. Harp

Vernon “Butch” L. Harp Jr., 71, of Rockford, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Born in Cairo, IL, on March 17, 1953, to Vernon L. Harp Sr. and Florence (Parker) Harp. He married Tammera Hannan in Sterling, IL, on February 16th, 1985. They were recently able to celebrate 40 loving years together. Family was central to his life. He was committed to attending every sporting event or activity for his grandkids, regardless of distance. He freely gave his time to others throughout his life, such as volunteering as a firefighter in Manlius early in life and teaching Vacation Bible School at Holy Family Catholic Church for the past 25 years. He loved spending time golfing with friends and family, collecting sports cards and treasures, playing dominos and board games with people he loved, bargain hunting for Christmas gifts year round, stopping at every single garage sale he saw, and spending time with his wife. It was his love for others that made these meaningful for him; he was most joyful when he was able to bring joy to others. He enjoyed going to shows and watching movies. Whether it was a Starlight play or an old black and white monster movie, he loved stories. He was a gifted artist. He loved to draw animals and was known to construct elaborate Styrofoam sculptures that amazed others. He had an encyclopedic knowledge and earnest love for unusual facts and stories, which he loved to share with others. He was an athlete who excelled in both track and football, and his legendary determination and strength are inspiring others to this day. His heart was always with God, and he strived to be like Christ. He was known and will be remembered for his kindness and generosity, which he shared in greater measure than could be expected of any man. To people in need he was the hand of God working in this world. To any person who knew him, there was, and still is, comfort in knowing they had everything they needed as long as they talked to Butch Harp.

Butch is survived by his loving wife, Tammera; children, Amy Harp, Bryan (Katherine) Harp, Brock (Jillian) Harp, Brett (Elizabeth) Harp, and Brooke Harp; grandchildren, Drew, Ellie, Sophie, Keegan, Declan, Isabella, Kaydence, Grady, Owen, Clara, and Milo; siblings, Muriel (Mike) Morris, Linda Jessen, Kathy Piper, and James (Linda) Harp; mother-in-law, Phyllis Hannan; and his many siblings-in-law, nieces, and nephews who were all near and dear to his heart. He is predeceased by his son, Beau Harp; siblings, Carol Forbeck, Verna Nord, and Deirdre Hartz; his parents; and father-in-law, Daniel Hannan. 

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. through 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108. Rosary will be recited at 6:45 p.m. A funeral Mass will take place at Holy Family Catholic Church on Thursday, March 6, at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to the family, who wish to spread donations among things important to Butch. To send your condolences online and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.