George Roper

George Bennon Roper, Jr., age 96, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025, at BSW Hillcrest Medical Center, Waco, Texas. He was born June 26, 1928 in Louisville, Kentucky, the first of 5 children born to George B. Roper, Sr. and Deverril Workman Roper. At the age of one, his parents moved to Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in various areas of Ohio. He graduated in May 1946 from Johnsville High School (Ohio). On January 21, 1950, he married Mary Kathyleen Walters, his high school sweetheart. To this union were born four very special children: Mary Georgeen (Mike) Scanes, Richard George (Teresa) Roper, Rebecca Georganne Slonaker, and Charles George (Kathy) Roper. To these unions were born 11 very special GRAND children: Cory Michael Scanes, Megan Kathyleen Lemley (Scanes), Ryan Richard Roper, Richard Ryan Roper, Jacob Richard Roper, Kristopher Robert Kizer, Kourtney Lyn Williams (Kizer), Jonathan Bennon Slonaker, Nathan David Slonaker, Derek Charles Roper, and Stephanie Charla Westerfield (Roper). To George, these children epitomized the meaning of GRAND children. He firmly believed that other than the gift of Jesus Christ, his family was his greatest gift from God. 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:21)

George spent forty four plus years in industry, retiring in January 1991. At that time he started his own maintenance and repair business, which he operated for 25 years. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He and his family were active members of Pleasant Grove Church of Christ in Ohio. There he served as Elder, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday school teacher, and church financial secretary and treasurer. He was also a community leader through involvement with 4-H, FFA, and all school and church activities. George served on the Northmor ISD board of education for 8 years, the last 4 years as board president. After his retirement from industry, he was a very active member of Waco Kiwanis Seniors. He enjoyed this very much, held many offices, and received numerous awards.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim, sister Sue, brother David, and grandson Ryan Richard Roper. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 75 years, his children, 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren with 3 more on the way, and his sister, Peggy Williams of Ohio.

A celebration of life and memories will be conducted on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 4:00 pm at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, Waco, Texas. Visitation will follow the service.

A special thank you goes to Dr. Sam Ralston and staff and Yvonne Estrada for all their many years of love, compassion, and wonderful medical care; and as of late, to Dr. Alexander and all the nurses and staff at BSW Hillcrest Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lorena Volunteer Fire Department, of which George and Kathyleen are honorary members. 

LVFD PO Box 474 Lorena, Texas 76655