Funeral services for Charles Edward Loper, of Bude, were held on Tuesday, March 6, at Franklin Funeral Home in Meadville, with burial in Midway Cemetery. The Rev. Bob Davis officiated.

     Mr. Loper, 92, died March 4, 2012, at his home, comforted by his loving family and caregivers. He was born on Oct. 20, 1919, the eldest son of Claude Edward and Janie Kinnison Loper Ellington, of Franklin County.

     He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in Europe and was part of the Battle of the Bulge. He also served in the Army National Guard 155th Unit of Meadville. Upon returning home from service, he went to work for International Paper Company in Natchez where he retired.

     Mr. Loper loved to build and work in his yard and garden; but most of all, he loved his family of sisters, brother, nieces and nephews who lovingly called him “Unc”. He was of the Baptist faith.

     Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, T.J. Ellington; sisters, Katherine Delaney, Pearl Campbell Watson and Claudia O’Neal Garrison; three nephews; one great-nephew; and one great-niece.

     Survivors are his nieces, Jackie Kent and husband, Kenneth, of Meadville, Claris Westbrook and husband, Elton, of McCall Creek, Shirley Wilson and husband, Tommy, of Meadville, Louise Armstrong and husband, Webb, of Crystal Springs, Betty Juno and husband, Jim, of Zachary, La., Mary Ann Ellington, of Natchez, and Ricki O’Neal, of Lafayette, La.; nephews, Carroll Campbell and wife, Sandra, Gene Campbell and wife, Debbie, of Baker, La., Johnny Garrison, of Sulphur, La., John R. Delaney and wife, Margaret, of Houston, Wayne Delaney and wife, Judy, of Brookhaven, Danny Ellington and Tommy Ellington, of Natchez; 36 great-nieces and nephews; 50 great-great-nieces and nephews; two great-great-great-nieces and nephews; and many friends.