Robert K. “Bob” Loper, 84, Lucerne, passed away at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw.

Born Aug. 31, 1932, in Gary, he was the son of the late Robert C. and Mildred (King) Loper.

On Dec. 22, 1956, in Chesterton, he was married to Judith (Robinson) Loper, who preceded in death June 30, 2008.

A graduate of Chesterton High School, Bob received a Bachelors of Science degree in Education from Kent State University. He earned a Masters of Science in Education from Purdue University.

A veteran of the Korean War, Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Bob started his 30+ year career as a teacher, then a principal at Clymers Elementary School. After its closing, he taught 5th grade at Washington and Fairview Elementary Schools in the Logansport Community School Corporation. A longtime member of the Cass County Retired Teachers Association, Bob served as the organization’s president for many years.

A member of the Leesburg Grace Brethren Church in Warsaw, Bob also attended the Baptist Christian Church in Royal Center.

Bob helped start the swimming program at Pioneer High School. He was very active as a coach over the years – with the Summer Recreational Baseball League as well as school teams in basketball and football.

Surviving are four daughters: Susan Holcomb and her husband Dirk of Logansport; Jennifer Johnson and her husband Charlie of Lucerne; Diane Catron and her husband Brian, of Warsaw; and Sandra Loper of Springdale, Arkansas; one son, Andrew Loper of Noblesville; thirteen grandchildren: Nick (Hope) Holcomb, Lindsay (Josh) Benn, Justin Johnson (fiancee Kelcie Fritz), Joshua Johnson, Nathaniel Johnson, Cristina Johnson, Selena Johnson, Joseph Johnson, Cori Catron, Alexis (Rick) Ryckman, Emilee Catron, Gabriella Catron and Siena Herzog; and five great grandchildren, Matthew, Zoey and Khloe Holcomb, Mikeal Benn and Finley Ryckman.

He was also preceded in death by one son, Robert A. Loper; and two brothers, William Loper and Richard Loper.

A funeral service celebrating the life of Bob Loper will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, in Fisher Funeral Chapel with Rev. Richard Utterback officiating.

Burial, with full military honors, will be in the Legion Square at Mount Hope Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11 in the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cass County Community Foundation scholarship fund.