Lonnie Dean Roper

Lonnie Dean Roper, 85, of Licking, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 17, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born February 15, 1940, in Siloam Springs, Missouri. He was delivered at home by his Grandma Kate who was a midwife. He was the eldest son of Gay and Edith Altermatt Roper. Gay and Edith moved to the Raymondville area and then to the farm outside of Licking in 1945 where Lonnie was raised.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gay and Edith Roper.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Roper, of Licking, three children, Matthew (Michelle) Roper, Licking, MO, Joel (Diane) Roper, Scottsdale, AZ, Lauren Toman (Stephen Paine), Salem, MO, five grandchildren, Paige (Collin) Braley, Plymouth, MA, Ethan (Allison Littledog), Sequim, WA, Will (Malia) Toman, Salem, MO, Aspen and Kaven Toman, Salem, MO, and twin great grandsons, Ellis and Jameson Roper, Sequim, WA.

He graduated in 1958 from Licking R-8 School, and remained friends with many of his classmates.

He married Lois Ellen Barnhart on November 2, 1963, in Rolla, Missouri.

Lonnie loved baseball, playing it and talking it. He also loved watching and listening to the St. Louis Cardinal broadcasts. He played baseball and lettered all four years of high school. After he graduated he had the chance to tryout for two major league teams for their farm clubs but decided not to. His hobbies were baseball and tractors. He also liked to joke and tease and loved teasing his wife the most! They moved from Sedalia to Licking in 1975. Lonnie held a variety of jobs over the years and was known for being an honest and hard worker. He owned his own insulation and fence building company. But his favorite work was being a minister and helping those in the community learn about the Bible.

He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 10, 1961. His firm belief in the Bible guided him in life. His strong faith in the resurrection hope provided much comfort for him. He eagerly anticipated life on an earthly paradise where he will be reunited with his loved ones. Psalm 37:10, 11, 29.

Visitation will be 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Services will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 11789 Crest Lane, Licking, MO. Joe Laymon officiating.