CHARLES E. ROPER

Charles Emerson Roper, of Peculiar, MO, was born April 5, 1941 in Kansas City, MO and went home to meet his Lord on July 3, 2020 in Leawood, KS.  Charles had been fighting cancer & resulting side effects from chemo since November 2019.  He fought a valiant fight until the Lord quietly took him while residing in the Health Care Resort of Leawood, KS.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman & Jennie Roper; & two brothers Richard & Larry Roper. He is survived by his wife, Louella West-Roper; his son Rick Roper, his youngest brother, Ronnie Roper (Marta); two granddaughters, Erica Roper & Tabatha Hyer; three great grand kids; honorary grandson, Patrick Brown (Alli); & numerous other family members.

Charles went to numerous schools but ended up in Peculiar, MO where he met the love of his life, Louella West.  It only took a year and a half for them to decide they were made for each other and were married on June 4, 1961 in Harrisonville, MO.  They spent 59 years in wedded bliss. On June 25, 1966, Charles became a proud dad of his precious son, Ricky Lynn Roper. Before marriage, Charlie was in the Navy from 1959-1965 leaving with an honorable discharge. Charlie played the steel guitar in a band of young musicians.  Country & gospel music were his favorites.  He continued his love of music playing numerous instruments until arthritis affected his hands.

Charlie was self-employed from a very early age beginning in landscaping.  He then worked for the Missouri Highway Department for 17 years.  Being an entrepreneur, Charlie soon started his own building maintenance and services business, working mostly nights & weekends for about 34 years.  In addition, he started driving a school bus during the day starting in 1987. It took serious health complications to get him to slow down.

Charlie was a proud dad & took his role seriously, coaching T-ball for his son Rick & even helped coach a girls' baseball team, which his young sister-in-law, Debbie, was the manager.  Debbie states that Charlie gave his two front teeth for her.  (Ask her about that story.)  Charlie was always involved with activities for his son, nieces & nephews, taking them to the races, wrestling matches & other fun activities. Charlie was also a strong support for family & friends, helping with celebrations, etc.  In one incident, while they were planning an anniversary party for Louella's parents, Charlie came up with the idea to disable her mother's car (she was at work).  When Louella's mom called her dad that she needed assistance, Charlie was there to go with him to help.  But Sonny & Charlie had a hard time keeping Dad from working on the car (Sonny had the part in his pocket) because they knew the minute he saw what was wrong he'd know something was up.  The plan was to keep them both (mom & dad) delayed until the party goers had time to get to the house.  It worked too!

Charlie was an avid collector of miniature antique cars & John Deere everything (clocks, pillows, pictures, miniatures, etc.). He especially loved his clock, which has a different John Deere tractor that starts on the hour.  Of course, as a musician he has more than one guitar.

Man!!! Charlie missed his favorite holiday (4th JULY) this year.  (I'm sure he's enjoying the alternative more.)  Most 4th of Julys, Charlie & Louella would host a bar-b-q for family & close friends.  He actually enjoyed any holiday that included friends & family.

Charlie was baptized into Christ in 1974 at the Chipman Road Church of Christ in Lee's Summit, MO.  He has had family memberships with Grandview, Raymore, and Belton Church of Christ. His greatest mentor was Mr. Ralph Martin, teaching, learning, during his membership at Grandview and Belton Churches. After moving to Peculiar, he has worshiped with the Church of Christ in Peculiar since 2005.  One of the things Charlie missed most during his long illness was worshiping with his brothers & sisters in Christ.  He appreciated all the calls, cards, visit, & prayers from everyone.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Peculiar Church of Christ, 701 South St. Peculiar, Missouri 64078

On Saturday, July 11, 2020 a memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Peculiar Church of Christ in Peculiar, Missouri. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m.to 11:30 a.m.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278