NORTH WEBSTER – Richard Thomas “Dick” Loper, 76, Cromwell, passed away Dec. 4, 2015, at his home. He was born Jan. 8, 1939, in Gary, to Robert Carlton and Mildred King Loper. On July 3, 1981, he married Joanne Border, who preceded him in death Aug. 13, 2011. He grew up in Chesterton and attended Chesterton High School. He was a former saw mill operator in Howe, was an auto mechanic most of his life and formerly worked at Rochester Ford. He moved to the Cromwell area 32 years ago from Rochester. He was a member of American Legion Post 253, North Webster; Veterans of Foreign Wars and Fraternal Order of the Eagles, both of Syracuse. He was a former member of American Legion Post 223, Syracuse, and was raised in the Southern Baptist Church. Surviving are five daughters: Debbie Zell, Valparaiso; Samantha (and spouse John) Shock, North Webster; Shari (and spouse Darrell) Carr and Melissa (and spouse Michael) Steffen, all of Warsaw; and Zoa Lentz, Cromwell; a son, Tom Maney, Valparaiso; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents; two stepsons, Patrick and Michael Covington; and a grandson, John Stewart. No public services are planned. Cremation will take place at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County. ***** Memorials may be given to the Richard Loper Funeral Fund, c/o Owen Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 72, North Webster, IN 46555. Condolences via www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com
