Louis Bart Loper

MERIGOLD - Louis Bart Loper, age 95, of Merigold, MS passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2019, at his home. 

Mr. Loper was born on March 10, 1924, to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Loper in Newton County, MS.

Louis grew up in the Newton County area where he worked as a farmhand before moving to the Delta area. He entered the United States Army in 1942 serving in WW II where he received several medals including the Purple Heart. Upon his return, he married Alice Stafford and went back into the farming industry. He worked for Bain Construction Company for several years before becoming a heavy equipment operator for Dahomey Plantation where he served for over 35 years. After his retirement, he drove for Enterprise Car Rental. Louis enjoyed gardening, being outside and hunting. He was a member of Merigold Baptist Church and attended the Church of Faith. He was also was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Loper, Son, Mitchell Loper, Two brothers, Thomas Loper, and William Fred Loper, four sisters; Ruth Lewis, Melba Humphreys, Johnnie Roberts, and Birdie Lee Yates.

 The family will receive friends Saturday, September 28, 2019, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Cleveland Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 AM in the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Greg Chamblee will officiate the service.

Mr. Loper is survived by wife, of Seventy-four years Alice Loper of Merigold, MS. Two sons, Robert (Margaret) Loper of Arcola, MS and, Michael (Melissa) Loper of Springfield, MO. One daughter, Judy (Jim) Simmons of Drew, MS.  One Sister, Thelma Blackburn. Eight grandchildren; Andy Pickle, Robert Loper, Jr., Tina Machelle McDonald, Michael Loper, Thomas Loper, Lori Adams, Alison Walter, and Anna Loper. He also leaves 20 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.

Honorary pallbearers are Cody McDonald, Burch Davis, Junior Hopkins, A.C. Gentry, Robert Loper, Jr., Michael Loper, Thomas Loper, Slade, and Tyler Gentry.

Memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38501

Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The on-line guest register may be signed at www.clevelandfuneralhome.net