Bobby Lee Roper

Bobby Lee Roper passed away peacefully, Wednesday, Dec. 13th, 2023, at St Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City at the age of 91. He was born on July 7th, 1932 in Wild Cherry, Fulton County, AR to Marcus Roper and Nealie Ross.

Bobby is survived by his three children, Dan (Donna) Roper of Searcy, AR, Wes (Becky) Roper of Columbia, MO, and Tammy Roper of Blue Springs, MO.  Eight grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren also survive.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Rosalene Roper, a half sister Vida McClellan, half brother Travis Foster, and grandson Jared Cornett.

Bob grew up in Viola, AR. and joined the US Army in April 18, 1950 at Fort Riley, KS.  He then served in Bamberg, Germany from September 1950 to March 1953. After Bob returned from the service, he went to Kansas City to look for work and started at Armco Steel in August, 1953. Shortly afterwards he married Rosalene “Rosy” Gifford on March 18, 1954. Bob and Rosy raised their family in Independence, MO. Bob retired from a 30 year career at Armco but outside of work he cherished taking the family back to visit his mom in Viola and eventually retired to his old homestead.

Bob loved sharing his passion of fishing and hunting with his family. He also enjoyed gardening, daily 4-wheeler rides, playing cards, and especially dominoes at the senior center. He was a member of the VFW in Salem, AR and a faithful member of the Viola Church of Christ after being baptized at age 82.

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 16, 2023, beginning at 11:00 AM at Viola Church of Christ in Viola, Arkansas, with Bro. Alan Talburt officiating. Visitation will be prior beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Flora Cemetery in Viola.

Pallbearers will be Rick Harber, Larry Burns, Norman Montgomery, Wayne Winter, Ken Cotter, and Brandon Harber.