William Lamar Raper, 94, of Hazen passed away on Monday, December 4, 2017. He was born on January 23, 1923. Lamar was a veteran of World War II.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Helen (Peggy) Raper, son, Ronnie Raper, and granddaughter, Renee Red.
Lamar is survived by his daughter, Gail (Warren) Edge, son, Randy Raper, grandchildren, Brooke (Veroniaca) Waddle, Carson Lamar (Melissa) Raper, Ronna Edge, Shane (Amanda) Raper, Michael Ferguson, Scott Raper, and Laura Beth (Justin) Jones. He is also survived by several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. A graveside service will be 10;00 A.M., Wednesday at Center Point Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Center Point Cemetery.
Gail and family
So sorry to get the call about Mr. Lamar. Sorry I can’t be there with you today but you hold a special place in my heart and my thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
Peanut Brittle, garden vegetables, shelled pecans–these are just some of the things that Uncle Lamar Raper shared with neighbors and friends near and far. But he shared more than that. He shared a life of helping others. Maybe it was helping someone with a plumbing problem, putting on a roof, pouring a concrete slab, or even building a complete house. He devoted time, work, expertise, and he donated materials to help those in need. Growing up in the Great Depression taught him a work ethic that served him well throughout life. His honorable WWII service in the U.S. Army Air Corp in England continued his pattern of hard work and dedicated service. His 94-year-old life spanned the terms of 17 U.S. Presidents. And until the last few years, he could outwork a man half his age. As a man of many talents, he could build houses, deliver the mail, and cook tantalizing finger licking recipes. In the building boom of the 1960’s and 70’s he and his crew built many houses throughout central Arkansas. Later his excellent service as a U.S. Postal mailman touched the lives of hundreds. His consistent unselfish service to others left a remarkable legacy that will be long remembered. Indeed, he was an extraordinary man who made this world a better place. We were
proud to call him our Uncle.
Our sympathy and prayers continue for the family.