Jerry Leon Raper was born May 16, 1927 in the Brown Grove Community north of Hazen, Arkansas. He went to his heavenly home December 3, 2013.
He was preceded in death by a baby daughter; his mother Mauvline Inge and step-father, Arthur Ingle; his grandparents, Harley and Lillar Raper and two special brothers, Earl and Carl Raper.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley Raper of Hazen; one son, Johnny Raper and wife, Becky of hazen; three daughters, Pam Tosh and husband, Charles of Hazen, Jan Bryant and husband, David of Lonoke and Kim Nielsen and husband, Jake of Hazen; six grandchildren, Sheila Blumhorst of Hazen, Jesse Tosh and wife, Miranda, Raymond Raper and wife, Lucy, LeAnn Hooks and husband, Luke, Matthew Bryant and Amber Basart.
Two step-grandsons, John and Joey Nielsen and their families. Nice great-grandchildren, Trenton Wiggins, Kaitlin and Kolton Tosh, Shelton, Eli and Jacob Kitchens and Sophie Jane and Bella Rae Raper and Levit Daniel hooks; two brothers, Finis Ingle and Fletcher Ingle and wife, Barbara; six sisters, Ina Adams, Mary Nell Wood, Shirley Bowen, Florence Reeves, and husband Alvin, Emma Carlyle and husband, Sam and Joann Langley and husband, John; three sister-in-laws, Ann Gonnerman and husband, Curt, Carolyn Frazier, and Theresa Brewer and husband, J.D.; two brother-in-laws, Larry Forte and wife, Renee and Doyle Forte and wife, Rachel.
Jerry was a Missionary Baptist minister for over 50 years. He pastured the following churches, Pleasant Ridge in Hazen,Bethel in Augusta, Faith in Des Arc, Mt. Pleasant in Bradford, and Oak Grove in Austin. He pastored Pleasant Ridge again and retired there in February of 2008.
Jerry loved the Lord and preaching God’s Word. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, December 5, 2013 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Friday, December 6, 2013 at the Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Center Point Cemetery.
Shirley and family:
Ben and I were so sorry to hear of Brother Jerry’s death. He lived a good life and was a great example for all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Raper Family,
Linda and I send our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort and encouragement in the Lord. We appreciate the faithful service for our Lord of Bro. Raper.
God Bless,
James & Linda Calhoun
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Dear Raper Family,
I pray God’s blessing on you in the passing of Bro. Raper. 50 years in
the ministry is such a blessing and honor. You are in my prayers.
Bro. Eddie Sutton