John W. Topper, age 97, a Miami & Orlando, FL resident for more than 60 years, died early Wednesday morning in hospice at the Orlando Regional Medical Center.

He was born March 4, 1920 in Jefferson, the son of Charles O. & Mae (Shively) Topper, he grew up in Jefferson before attending the Ohio State University and graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1943.  He was married to Marie H. Corkrean on June 13, 1942 at the rectory of St. Joseph Calasanctius Church in Jefferson.  Mr. Topper was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U. S. Army Air Corps in the 9th Tactical Air Force where he piloted B-26's as a First Lieutenant.

Following his discharge in 1946, Mr. Topper worked for Ernst & Ernst in Erie for 11 years before relocating to N. Miami, FL in 1957, leaving them in 1971 to take a position with Southeast Banking Corp., serving as Treasurer and Vice President before retiring in 1985.  Mr. Topper’s professional involvements include the Pennsylvania, Florida and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Southeast Florida Chapter of Financial Executives where he was a past president and Beta Alpha Psi, accounting honorary fraternity at Ohio State.  He was also a member and past president of the N. Miami Lions Club and the Downtown Kiwanis Club of Miami.  He enjoyed watching sports, playing golf and model airplanes.  He loved baseball, playing in high School, College and the amateur league.

He is survived by six children, John C. (Vi) Topper of Yakima, WA, Jo Marie (Douglas) Roberts of Linville Falls, NC, Douglas R. (Sue Ellen) Topper of Mason Twp., ME, David A. (Donna) Topper of Marietta, GA, Janice A. (Paul) Franzo of Orlando, FL & Patricia M. Topper of Newland, NC, 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

His parents, his wife, Marie in 2010 and a brother, Robert Topper all preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 21, 2017 at 10:00 A. M. at the Jefferson Home of Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, with the Rev. Mick Gilliam, associate at the Jefferson United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery where Geneva Post #6846 of the VFW will offer military honors.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 20, 2017 from 6-8 P. M. at the funeral home.  The family suggests memorial contributions to the Avery County Group Home, 198 Cemetery Rd., Newland, NC  28657  Visit fleming-billman.com to view obituary, express condolences, send a flower or light a candle.  The Fleming & Billman Funeral Homes and staff are honored to serve the John Topper fami

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