Homer L. Roper

Homer L. Roper, 87, of Camp Avenue, Carlsbad, NM, passed away Monday, March 25, 2013 at his daughter's home. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2013, 10:00 AM, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dave Hodge officiating. Masonic Service will be performed by Eddy Lodge # 21 AF&AM. A Lodge of Sorrow will convene at 9:30 AM, Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Eddy 21, 513 N. Canyon Street, Carlsbad, NM. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Homer L. Roper was born September 13, 1925 in Dumont, Texas to George Alvin and Alice Reine (Bailey) Roper. He attended school in Dumont. H. L. served his country in the US Navy during WWII aboard the U.S.S. General M. B. Stewart. He was awarded the Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon and Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon. H. L. married Lois Mae Bryan on February 12, 1945. He worked in the potash mines for many years until joining his wife, Lois in the drapery business, which she started in 1963. They worked together in the family business 30 years before retiring. H. L. was a life time member of the Masonic Lodge, he was awarded the Red Cross of Constantine and is a past Rotary member. He was an avid rock hound and enjoyed woodworking and silversmith jewelry work as well. H. L. loved fishing, hunting and was thrilled to have almost all of his family living in Carlsbad near each other. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois Mae Roper in 1994; brother, Arlen Roper; sister, Rose Nell Harrington; and great-grandson, Ryan Vasquez. After Lois' death, long-time family friend, Allene, became his second love in 1996 and survives him at the family home. He is also survived by two sons: Terry Roper and wife, Kay of Carlsbad, NM; Gary Roper and wife, Susan of Carlsbad, NM; daughter, Carolyn Rayroux and husband, Kenney of Carlsbad, NM; two step-daughters: Elaine Smith and husband, Jeff of Carlsbad, NM, Carolyn Trafton and husband, Jim of Vernon, TX; 16 grandchildren: Shannon, Teresa, Angie, Wendy, Jennifer, Bryan, Hunter, Lindsey, James, Shelli, Kelly, Shelly, Robby, Shannon, J. D., and Amy Jo; 21 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; brother, John Roper and wife, Clem of Bowie, TX; sister, Lois Selwinder and husband, Ed of Littleton, CO., and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Billy Bryan, Johnny Carroll, Tim Carroll, Kelly Smith, Nathan Harrington, Joe Carrasco and Ben Vasquez. Honorary pallbearers are Duane Bryan, Johnny Adams and Fletcher Whygles. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Christian Academy, Ryan Vasquez Scholorship Fund, 2415 Florida Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220 or Lakeview Christian Hospice, 1300 N. Canal Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.