Decatur, MS

Gene Loper, age 83, died Friday, July 14, 2017 at his home in Decatur, MS. surrounded by his family. He was born April 27, 1934.

Funeral Services will be at Lake Loper Youth Camp in Decatur, MS on Mr. Loper's property, Sunday, July 16, 2017 at 3:00 PM. Mr. Richard Goggans and Mr. Blake Stephens will officiate. Burial will follow in Decatur City Cemetery in Decatur, MS. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM prior to the services. Newton County Funeral Home - North is in charge of the arrangements. (601) 635-3200.

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 seventeen 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 is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Hagan Loper and Vera Blackwell Loper, grandson Guy Durand Loper, three brothers and one sister.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years Joan Estes Loper, daughter, Rhonda Kanayurak (Bud), son, Guy Loper (Angela), son, Wayne Loper (Angie), daughter, Victoria Carr (Lucas), grandchildren, Savannah Griffin, Gabrielle Loper, Kirsten Loper, Hayley Loper, Aleese Loper, and Jordan Loper.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Estes, Bryan Savell, Kent Estes, Brad Stephens, Brent Stephens, and David LaBelle.

Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Stephens, Jamie Prine, Mitch DuBose, and David Savell.