About Us
Celebrating life since 1872
As a proud member of the New Haven community since 1872, we're honored to help families celebrate their loved ones. We pledge to ensure that every funeral and memorial service is deeply personal, fostering healing and remembrance.
Our promise
Today, tomorrow, and forever, our commitment to you stays the same.
Dignity
Every life is unique, and we promise to honor and respect each journey, crafting ceremonies that reflect each individual.
Guidance
Navigating grief can be overwhelming; we stand by you, providing direction and solace every step of the way.
Legacy
Beyond a service, we're committed to helping families create lasting tributes that transcend generations.
Our story
E. Harper & Son Funeral Home is the oldest continuously family-owned and operated funeral home business in New Haven and Allen County. We provide the families of Allen County with a caring, homelike atmosphere born of the experience of four generations with deep roots in our family-centered and church-oriented community.
The business originally began as a funeral home and furniture business owned by Henry Tenge and located on the corner of Middle and Broadway Streets. Brent Lovell, a cabinetmaker, purchased the business in 1872 and later sold it to the first Harper family member, Edward, in 1889. Edward Harper (1855-1928), son of William Harper of County Tyrone, Ireland was also a cabinetmaker and was serving as Jefferson Township Trustee when he purchased the business. His parents were among the original settlers of eastern Allen County. His father William helped to organize the township in 1840 along with Jared and Alanson Whitney, Aretas and Reuben Powers, Henry Castleman and Joseph Gronauer.
At the time Edward Harper purchased the business, few embalmings were performed. The body was kept in a special coffin lined with metal that allowed the body to be packed in ice. A small window was situated over the face and allowed family and friends to view the deceased. On the day of the funeral, which was held in the family's home, Mr. Harper removed the body, dressed it and placed it in a casket. He employed his skills as a cabinetmaker to finish many of the caskets himself, often crafting the handles and exterior covering and applying the inner lining. He kept one or two already trimmed for display purposes and would send samples of various materials to families' homes so they could make their selections. As embalming methods were perfected, Mr. Harper took week-long embalming courses offered in Fort Wayne by traveling trade companies. This was contrary to some funeral homes of the time in Allen County whose owners did not receive the necessary training. Mr. Harper performed embalmings in the home of the deceased until around 1910 when the business moved to a new building erected on family property at what is now 1244 Summit Street.
Emmet Edward Harper (1884-1958) joined his father in the business in 1902, which was renamed Ed. Harper & Son Undertakers. Emmet married Fannie Greenawalt (1889-1980) and she joined him in the family business. Both Emmet and his wife held Indiana and Ohio Funeral Directors licenses. Until 1947, Indiana law required one to only declare ownership of a funeral establishment to receive a license from the state. After 1947, schooling and testing were required to obtain a license to operate a funeral home.
In 1924, Emmet moved the business to 939 Main Street, a two-story brick Italianate former boarding house where he lived with his family on the second floor. Three of their six children, George, Homer and Stanley, became licensed upon graduation from mortuary science institutions. George (1910-1954) helped his father and retained his license until his death. Stanley (1926-) worked in the business from 1948-1971 as a funeral director and embalmer. Emmet remained semi-active in the business until his death in 1958.
Homer Hugh Harper (1923-2006) joined his father in the business upon discharge from the US Navy in 1946, attending Blackburn College and graduating from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science. In 1947, he married Erna Verle Van Hoek (1924-1987) who was a partner in the family corporation. The family of four (Kristine, Gregory, Lisa and Mitchell) lived above the business on Main Street. The family also maintained an ambulance service until 1979.
In 1953, the building underwent renovations to expand the chapel and office spaces and add more modern conveniences and additional parking. Sons Greg and Mitch were the first in Allen County to become licensed emergency medical technicians. Homer remained a well-known figure in the town and was active in community affairs and the business into his 80s, when he retired in 2004.
Greg Harper became a full partner in the family business in 1974. He attended Hanover College and Indiana University Fort Wayne, graduating from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1974. A new, expanded modern facility opened in 1981 located at US 930 E and Werling Road, the former site of the Schnelker farmstead. This new facility came with substantially larger chapels and visitation areas, more off-street parking, two covered porticoes, and is fully handicap accessible.
Over the past century the business has seen many changes. From horse drawn hearses and ambulances to the automotive hearse and ambulances which were purchased in 1913, embalming and restorative art came into existence, procedures have moved from family residence to the funeral home, and caskets are no longer assembled on premises. After WWII is when our current trend came to be, with calling at the funeral home and a service at the funeral home or church. This unique family owned business remains committed to meeting the needs of the families of Allen County.
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Our incredible staff
Helping families create lasting legacies is more than a job — it's our calling. We are here to support you in any way we can and will offer you the full attention, knowledge, and compassion you need.
David Edwin Rousculp
General Manager/Funeral Director/Embalmer
David Rousculp is considered one of the most experienced funeral professionals in the industry. At the age of 16, David began working at a funeral home and has been involved with the profession since for 35 years. Fortunately, Rousculp has worked with very progressive funeral homes as well as diversified firms. Small to very large family owned businesses as well as the large chain funeral homes gave David great insight to operating multiple locations. He also owned a restaurant that sharpened his skills to detail and organization. David is responsible for innovating products and best practices that many funeral homes use today. The award winning writer also has experience with film, television, and stage. David loves to help assist in telling the story of each individual by making each funeral "Their Story" in it's own unique and special way. Aurora Casket Company approached him in 1997 to be a consultant in sales and merchandise for numerous funeral homes and quickly propelled himself in the elite Diamond Club. Batesville Casket Company pursued him as well and he joined them in 2000 where he worked for 12 years and became a member of the Presidents Club. As a consultant for both casket companies he trained and taught hundreds of funeral directors in best practices that help families celebrate the life of their loved ones. After 15 years of consulting he realized he wanted to return to the funeral directing side and his longtime friend Tony Colson was looking for a general manager to run his newly acquired funeral home, E. Harper & Son, in New Haven, Indiana. Since the teaming of Colson and Rousculp the funeral services provided are second to none. Families are experiencing exceptional service and new ideas that surely will be copied by others. “It’s a new customer out there and we need to listen and go out of our way to exceed their expectations”, says Rousculp.
Rousculp has been a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for 30 plus years. He is a graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.
Chevas Hefflinger
Office Manager / Pre-Need Consultant
Chevas has been with E. Harper & Son Funeral Home since 2006. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Trine University with a bachelor's in Psychology. Chevas is the office "Guru" who is in the background managing the office and then some, She is licensed with the State of Indiana as a pre-need insurance agent as well and helps families who want to pay their funerals in advance.
Tony Colson
President/Owner
As a compassionate leader with over 30 years of experience, Tony Colson stands at the helm of Harper's Community Funeral Home, proudly serving New Haven, Hoagland, Monroeville, Fort Wayne, and Allen County, Indiana. As the dedicated owner of Harper's Community Funeral Home, the oldest business in Allen County, Tony brings a profound commitment to excellence and a rich legacy of expertise to the community.
About Harper's Community Funeral Home:
In the heart of Indiana, Harper's Community Funeral Home stands as a pillar of support during times of loss. Under Tony Colson's guidance, the funeral home is committed to providing exceptional services with a focus on compassion and respect.
Tony Colson's Leadership:
Tony's leadership is characterized by a deep understanding of the unique needs of the community. His commitment to excellence ensures that every family receives the care and support they deserve during challenging times. Tony's wealth of experience in the funeral service industry reflects a dedication to preserving the dignity of each individual journey.
Community Values:
Beyond funeral care, Tony Colson is an integral part of the community. His interests include spending quality time with his granddaughters, a passion for cars, trap shooting at the Indiana Gun Club, and membership at the Columbia Club in Indianapolis. Tony finds solace in the companionship of dogs, enjoys boating adventures, and cherishes the serenity of the outdoors.
A Legacy of Compassion:
At Harper's Community Funeral Home, Tony Colson's legacy goes beyond professional expertise; it extends into a genuine connection with the community. His warmth, compassion, and respect for traditions make Harper's Community Funeral Home a place of solace and support during life's most challenging moments.
In every service provided and every life remembered, Harper's Community Funeral Home, under Tony Colson's stewardship, stands as a beacon of compassion, excellence, and community support.
Terry Koeneman
Ceremonial Attendant
Terry is a 1967 graduate of Concordia Lutheran High School and went on to attend Ball State University, graduating with a teaching degree in physical education and health with a minor in sociology. He married his wife, Beth, in 1972 who also has her teaching degree and retired from Fort Wayne Community Schools. Terry retired in 2002 from Dana Corp after 31 years. He has been with Harper’s since 2003 and is also a part time shuttle driver for O’Daniel Automotive Group. Terry and Beth have two grown children, Ben and Tiffany, and six grandchildren.
Tom Bandt
Ceremonial Attendant
A longtime New Haven resident, Tom graduated from New Haven High School in 1967. He retired in 2011 from Fort Wayne Newspapers and his wife, Susan, retried from East Allen County Schools in 2013. They have two grown children who both reside in Fort Wayne. Tom has been helping families here since 2012.
Matthias Snodderly
Ceremonial Attendant
Meet Pastor Matthias Snodderly
For Pastor Matthias Snodderly, whether he’s helping families as a church Pastor or
as a Ceremonial Attendant, it’s all about providing comfort. Pastor Matthias brings
many years of experience in pastoral care and is blessed to integrate that with the 45
years of experience that our Funeral Director David Rousculp offers, and he feels that
the community has a wonderful opportunity to experience peace and comfort during
the passing of their loved ones.
Pastor Matthias, the 11th child born in Harlan IN, spent his childhood working on the
family farms tending to the entirety of all the animals. In 1978 being relocated to East
Tennessee where he graduated from Jefferson County high school. During those years
he worked for the City of Morristown as an assistant Purchasing Director and the
Hamblen County Sheriff's Dept as a Deputy Sheriff.
Pastor Matthias returned to Indiana in 1993 upon accepting an employment offer from
the City of Fort Wayne Police Department He holds a Bachler of Science degree in
Criminal Justice and a certified graduate of East Tennessee Law Enforcement, and
Indiana Law Enforcement Academies.
Pastor Matthias an Ordained Minister and President of Bible Study Ministries is
celebrating 27 years in ministry as of February 2024 with launching a new church
plant “Joy Fellowship Church” in Van Wert Ohio.
Pastor Matthias and his wife Nicki enjoy their time spending with their children,
family, and friends. Pastor Matthias enjoys being a “First Time Pawpaw” to Murphy
the most adorable little granddaughter. He is so grateful for the opportunities given
him to share Gods Love and compassion to those who are facing the uncertainties that
life sometime brings without warning. His favorite verse that has always helped him
through life’s difficulties and feels it has help countless others is found in John
Chapter 13:35 where Jesus spoke these precious words: “your love for one another
will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
A place of healing
We welcome you to explore the Harper Community Funeral Home facilities, and invite you to discover a comforting and peaceful place to honor your loved one.
We exist to serve the unique needs of every family
Seamless Arrangements
We'll help you with everything you need with a simple step-by-step process for all of your funeral, cremation and cemetery plans.
Unique Funerals and Tributes
Every individual is unique. Which is why we offer fully customizable memorial services designed just for your family.
Around the Clock Support
We're here to answer any questions and help in any way we can – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Hear from
the families
we've served
“They were wonderful, did a great job with my dad.”
Author:— Lynne Speith rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Honoring excellence
We’re honored to be recognized for our dedication to excellence and genuine care. Explore the esteemed associations we're a part of, and the awards that celebrate our commitment to the communities we serve.
Harper is honored as one of the Best Places to Work in 2023.
We're hiring
Beyond the opportunity to truly make a difference, Harper Community Funeral Home offers competitive pay, a healthy work-life balance, and many opportunities for growth.