Rev. Edward A. Loper 1955 – 2019
PEARL RIVER, LOUISIANA – Reverend Edward A. Loper completed his life journey on June 23, 2019 at Slidell Memorial Hospital, Slidell, Louisiana, due to complications from pancreatic cancer.
Ed was born on March 17, 1955, in Sharon, Connecticut, to Raymond and the late Corene Loper and grew up in Millerton, NY.
He was an ordained pastor of the Presbyterian Church (USA), serving churches in North Gage and Camroden, NY, co-pastored the Union Presbyterian Church in Sauquoit, NY, with his wife, Susan, partner in ministry, the Whitesboro Presbyterian Church in Whitesboro, NY, Marshall Presbyterian Church in NC, Central Presbyterian Church of Petersburg, IL and the LeRoy Presbyterian Church. He also served as Director of Pastoral Care for the Presbyterian Home for Central New York and was Stated Clerk for the Presbytery of Utica.
On December 22, 1979, Ed married the former Susan Patrick in Lawrenceville, IL. She survives at home. He was a graduate of Webutuck High School, Maryville College and the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
In addition to Susan, he is survived by parents, Raymond and Carol Loper, of Millerton, NY; sister, Jean (Barry) Stevens, of Millerton, NY; and children, Timothy Loper, of Utica, NY and Abbigail (Garet) Clemons, of Slidell, LA. He also leaves granddaughter, Leah Rae Clemons, the shining light of his world.
Ed was predeceased by his mother; grandparents, Samuel and Ruth Baker and Hazel and Clifford Loper.
Ed had passions for his New York Yankees, passenger trains and ministries of social justice to the poor and voiceless of our society. He donated time and service to the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Neighbors in Need in Marshall, NC and Community Christian Concern in Slidell, LA.
Not only did he donate his time and service, he donated his body to the LSU School of Medicine in the hopes that maybe – just maybe – it might make a difference in finding the key to pancreatic cancer.
Ed’s family would like to thank Drs. Fuloria and Joshi and the many nurses and support staff of the Cancer Center of University Medical Center. We also thank the wonderful staff at Slidell Memorial Hospital, especially Joanna, Donna, Kaitlyn, Kathryn, Tiffany and the incredible doctors in the Intensive Care Unit. We gratefully acknowledge the tender loving care given to Ed the final two days of his life by Passages Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, Neighbors in Need, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance or pledge to Sue and Abby’s participation in the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Purple Stride of Louisiana.
A Remembrance Service will take place on Saturday, July 13 at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Pearl River, LA, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with lunch, the telling of “Ed stories” and listening to some of Ed’s favorite songs from his playlist. At 12:30 there will be a Witness to the Resurrection Service at the church, with his special seminary friend, Bruce Whitney, officiating.
Online memorial tributes may be left at www.dimblebyfh.com.
