Douglas W. Harp
Douglas William Harp, 81, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away on Aug. 1, 2022. He was born to parents Arley Owen Harp and Helen Mae Wilson-Harp, on March 6, 1941 in Norman, Ark.
He graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1960.
He went on to serve the state of Arkansas for 15 years, working his way from trooper to colonel in 9 years, an accomplishment that remains unprecedented in the 87 year history of the Arkansas State Police.
Before ever considering the state police as a career, Colonel Harp had served in the Arkansas Air National Guard from 1958-1964.
In 1966, one year after submitting his initial application to become an Arkansas State Trooper, a 24 year-old Doug Harp met face to face with a legendary trooper in his own right who would formally interview the applicant for a trooper’s job. Truly, it was a once in a lifetime brush with history. The interviewer was Major Earl Scroggin, one of the original 13 Rangers commissioned in 1935 by the state of Arkansas. The 13 Rangers formed what is known today as the Arkansas State Police.
Almost a year later at Petit Jean Mountain, probationary Trooper Doug Harp reported to troop school. Four weeks later, he was sworn in and fully commissioned by Justice J. Frank Holt and was released to patrol the highways of Pulaski County.
The probationary troopers assigned to the 1966-C troop school were unique in the department’s history in that the class produced two colonels, one assistant director (lieutenant colonel) and an untold number of majors, captains and lieutenants.
Following short-stints in the Highway Patrol Division and Motor Vehicle Inspection Section, Harp was transferred into the Criminal Investigation Division and was promoted to sergeant in 1970 and lieutenant in 1973 while assigned to governor’s security serving Governor Dale Bumpers.
In May of 1975, Lieutenant Harp was summoned to meet with Governor David Pryor who told the 34 year-old trooper of his decision to appoint him as director of the Arkansas State Police to succeed retiring Colonel Bill Miller.
Colonel Harp accepted the job and went to work developing a major reorganization of the department and making plans to move the administrative offices of the state police out of the antiquated and deteriorating headquarters on Roosevelt Road. The plans would eventually lead to the construction of a new headquarters facility on Natural Resources Drive.
Doug Harp retired from the State Police on June 30, 1981. He moved to Hot Springs and founded Harp Security Consultants Inc. with his brother Gary Harp. He and his wife Janie, purchased his parent’s home on Albert Pike Road where they still reside today. Harp Security was the newest and fastest growing security business in the state, thanks largely, in part, to Doug’s expertise in law enforcement. His private investigations took him all over the country including Florida and Texas. He loved the people that he worked with and considered many of them family.
Doug’s favorite fall activities always centered around his beloved deer camp in Shawmut, Ark. Harp Hunting Club was founded by Doug, his father, Arley, and eight other original members. Harp Hunting club was Doug’s favorite place in the world. The tradition continued with his son, son-in-law, grandchildren and his hunting buddies.
Doug’s other favorite pastime was cooking. Many lucky friends and family members received a homemade fudge delivery during the holidays. That is how Doug got the nickname “The Candyman!” His Christmas goodies were a signature Doug present to all those he loved
Douglas met Janie Kimery Harp in 1968. They were married on Nov. 25, 1972 in Hot Springs, Ark. Together they raised two children: Phyllis Ashley Harp-Olmedo, Douglas William Harp II.
Douglas is survived by his wife Janie, children Ashley Olmedo and her husband Jay Olmedo, and Will Harp. Grandchildren: J.C. Olmedo, Ava Olmedo, Lucas Harp, Taylon Wilson, Chevy Wilson. Great-grandchildren: Nyxin Wilson, Allison Wilson, and Jessi Wilson. Sisters: Arlene Cevela, Shelia Smith, and Helen Holley. Brother: Gary Harp
He was preceded in death by his father Arley Harp, mother Helen Harp, and brother Travis Harp.
Honorary Pallbearers are Gary Harp, Jay Olmedo, R.D. Holley, Larry Smith, Forrest Marks, Jimmy Robertson, George Moye, Jim Tyler, Ray Whisenhunt, Bill Grisham, Arkansas State Police, Harp Security Consultants Inc., Harp Hunting Club, Dr. Chen and Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute.
The family has entrusted Caruth-Hale with the arrangements. The Caruth Hale Celebration Center is scheduled for Aug. 13, 2022 at 11 a.m. at 2529 Airport Road, Hot Springs, Ark. A reception will follow in The Hamilton room at the Celebration Center. Walter “Bubba” Smith will officiate the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Arkansas State Police Foundation www. aspfoundation.com
Online condolences at http://www.caruth-hale.com.