Gene Loper, 83, died Friday, July 14, 2017, at his home in Decatur surrounded by his family. He was born April 27, 1934.
Funeral services were at Lake Loper Youth Camp in Decatur on Mr. Loper’s property, Sunday, July 16, 2017 at 3 p.m. Mr. Richard Goggans and Mr. Blake Stephens officiated. Burial followed in Decatur City Cemetery in Decatur. Visitation began at 1 p.m. prior to the services. Newton County Funeral Home – North was in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Loper was a pillar in his family and was well-known throughout the county and adjoining counties. He served in the United States Army several years and served in the state of Washington. He also served five years in the National Guard. Mr. Loper was a career heavy equipment operator and diesel mechanic.
He delighted in spending time with his family and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
For the last 17 years Mr. Loper was instrumental in preparing and developing a youth camp on his property, which hosted a summer and a winter camp each year.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Hagan Loper and Vera Blackwell Loper; a grandson, Guy Durand Loper; three brothers; and one sister.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years Joan Estes Loper; a daughter, Rhonda Kanayurak (Bud); two sons, Guy Loper (Angela) and Wayne Loper (Angie); a daughter, Victoria Carr (Lucas); and six grandchildren, Savannah Griffin, Gabrielle Loper, Kirsten Loper, Hayley Loper, Aleese Loper and Jordan Loper.
Pallbearers were Ronnie Estes, Bryan Savell, Kent Estes, Brad Stephens, Brent Stephens and David LaBelle.
Honorary pallbearers were Richard Stephens, Jamie Prine, Mitch DuBose and David Savell.
An online guestbook may be signed at newtoncountyfuneralhome.com.
