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Earl Roper, Jr.
July 5, 1955 –  February 8, 2006
Words: 401

Earl Roper, Jr. was the baby of the family; the youngest child of an even half-dozen – three boys, three girls. On February 8th, Earl Roper, Jr., the youngest child of Marie Thomas Roper and Earl Roper, Sr., died much too young. He was 50. 

Earl lived his entire life in St. Louis. He was born here, went to school here (Vashon High School) and played here. His playful nature was one of the things for which he was best known. The best thing about him was his sense of humor, said his Uncle Henry. Sometimes that sense of humor got him in trouble. “He was spoiled, so we beat him up,” said older brother Lonnie, referring to himself and their oldest brother, Robert. No one escaped Earl’s jokes, not even his mother. But after one too many jokes, you knew you would soon hear his mother say, “Boy, get out of my face.”

But it wasn’t all fun and games. St. Louis was also where he worked. He worked in a factory most of his adult life. For a time, he worked at Grossman Steel Company operating a Pettibone, big material-handling equipment. Later, until his health failed him, Earl worked for M.M.G. Corporation.

When his health began to decline, he did what children often do, especially the youngest child: He went home to mama, where he knew there would be love and care. But even in failing health, he did the things he loved most – he made people laugh – and he danced. He thought he was one of the Temptations and he incorporated his cane into his “Temp moves.”

Shortly before his passing, Earl accepted Christ and became a member of New Tower Grove Baptist Church.

His oldest brother, Robert Lee, preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory his mother, Marie Thomas Roper; his father Earl Roper, Sr.; one brother, Lonnie Roper; three sisters: Earline (Sam) Huddleston, Elizabeth Kyles, and Elaine Roper, all of St. Louis; one uncle, Henry C. Thomas, and two aunts: Clarice H. Thomas and Norine Thomas; four nephews: Damon Kyles (Tasha), Ferrell Kyles (Shanta), Antoin Kyles, and Tevin Roper; three nieces: NaTika Rowles (Jared); Lannetta Roper and Shamica Massey. He is also mourned by a special friend, Shirley Sussix, along with many great nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

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