of Osceola, AR
August 2, 1924 - April 22, 2024
James Elkin Raper, 99, of Osceola, AR passed away April 22, 2024. He was born in Belden, MS on August 2, 1924 to Dexter and Fannie Raper. He was a lifetime farmer in Mississippi County. Elkin proudly serviced his country during Word War II in the United State Army Corp of Engineers. Inducted into service July 1943 where he took Infantry Basic Training at Camp Roberts, California. He was shipped overseas in March 1944 as an infantry replacement to the Pacific Arena, assigned to 1398 Engineer Corp. He was in the Saipan Campaign when U. S. took over the Island. He then went to Okinawa, Japan where he remained there until World War II was over. After 3 years in service he was discharged as a Master Sergeant. He was a member of Luxora First Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Director, sang in the choir and served on many committees. Elkin served on the Luxora School Board and the Rivercrest School Board for 20 years. He is survived by daughters, Irene Jackson, Barbara (John Madigan) Wright and Dianna (Damon) Clauss; son, Dwayne (Jeanie) Raper; daughter-in-law, Pat Raper; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Margaret Raper; extended family: Emmanuel Brown and Louis Dyche; many Nieces, Nephews, other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife of 80 years, Idell Raper; his parents; son, Jimmy Raper; brothers, Ottis Raper, Lenoard Raper and Lawrence Raper; sisters, Blanche Green, Bessie Brown and Bernice Ritchey; sons-in-law, Phillip Wright and Paul Jackson. In lieu of flowers you can make donations to Luxora First Baptist Church, P O Box 580, Luxora, AR 72358.
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26 Condolence(s)
Bernice Taylor
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Diane and family my prayers for God’s love to comfort you. He’s with your Mom, Oh I remember that day in elementary when you ask your Mom to put your hair in 2 ponytails so you could wear your hair like me. What a Legacy they left on earth such a beautiful family. God Speed
Freddy Ware
Monday, April 29, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with the family......
Judy watson
Friday, April 26, 2024
Mr Raper was so good to me when I first started my teaching and coaching career at Luxora. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you
Bert Thomas
Thursday, April 25, 2024
I have so many precious of Elkin, Idell and the family. Elkin was a good friend as well as a leader in Luxora Baptist Church where I served. He was a model of what a man should be to his family, his church and his community. I am a better person became of Elkin.
Laurel Pollock Campbell
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Barbara and family, I'm so sorry for your loss, but am rejoicing for your dad, as he is with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. A life well lived. He was a fine man. Prayers for comfort as you transition to life without him here with you on earth. May you find comfort in knowing that you will all be reunited in God's kingdom.
Darla Herrington
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Very fond memories of the Raper family. Over time as we age, we tend to go back in time to our childhood memories. The Raper family to me were just good people. God speed Mr. Elkins.
Prayers and peace for your sweet family.
Emmanuel Brown
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
I send my prayers to a wonderful family and I will truly miss my buddy (Fred) is what I call him and he call me (Sam) . We had so great memories and I going to miss him dearly he was like dad and bestie to me I would do anything in world for him. Now he’s in a but place with his mom his wife and my beautiful mother they are having a time up there. My heart so heavy with him but God going to get me through. Rest in heaven to a great man Love You Fred
Evelyn Sanderson
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
I'm so sorry for Mr.Raper prayers for the family and friends.
Kim Davis Bullion
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
So sorry to for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Kay trenthem
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
To the entire family. He was such a great great man. I have many fond memories. You will all miss him dearly.
Logan and Dorothy Perkins
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
We are so sorry to hear about Bro Raper. I'm sure He and Mrs Idell are talking over every thing today. He was a very special person.
Laurie Stevens Ruplr
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
He was a great man. Sending prayers and hugs to his family and other friends. RIP God bless ya!!
Lynda Griffin
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Raper was truly a good Christian man and an example for all. He will be greatly missed at church . My prayers for the family that their pain of loss will be eased by knowing he is in heaven and enjoying the best days of his life now and forever.
Wilbur Griffin
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
One of the best men I ever knew. Condolences to his entire family and his many friends.
Robin Rapert-Quick
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
I’m very sorry for your loss. Prayers for solace during your time of grief.
William &VICKIE ARNOLD
Monday, April 22, 2024
Prayers for Mr Raper's family for comfort and peace during this sad time. He will be missed by many.
Charles and Wanda Linebarger
Monday, April 22, 2024
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Raper. Praying for God's comfort for you
and your families.
Paulette Green
Monday, April 22, 2024
Irene, Barbara, Dianna and Dwayne my heartfelt condolences and prayers for you and your families. I have wonderful memories of our Victoria days. May Gods love give you comfort and peace in the coming days.
Denise Storey
Monday, April 22, 2024
So very sorry to hear of Mr. Elkins passing. Prayers for the family.
Bob Kendrick
Monday, April 22, 2024
Barbara and family,
so sorry for your loss.
A priceless blessing to you and to many. Know you will miss him. Holds a special place in my growing up.
PRAYERS HUGS AND LOVE
Bro Kenny Davis
Monday, April 22, 2024
Brother Raper was a good man and as long as his health allowed a faithful member of Luxora Baptist Church. I had the privilege of knowing him and serving as the interim Pastor of the church. My prayers and condolences are with you all. May God give you the grace you need and the peace you seek during this time.
Amy Brown
Monday, April 22, 2024
We all loved uncle Elkin
So much !
So many awesome memories of him and his farming. He was so much of a family leader !
Love all of the family. I will not be able to attend the service but know my heart is with you !
Cherry Mc Glothan
Monday, April 22, 2024
So sorry
He’s with Idell now & happy
Prayers to all his kids & grandkids
Rachel Oakes
Monday, April 22, 2024
I’m so sorry to hear uncle Elkin passed. I was always fond of him. (I am Bessie Brown’s granddaughter) You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Crabtree Curtwright
Monday, April 22, 2024
Barbara, Dianne and family.
I am saddened to receive word of Mr. Raper’s passing. He was a very positive influence for me during my first years of teaching in Luxora and Osceola. As well as a true disciple of Christ while attending church with him and his Family in Luxora. I will ever remember him and Mrs. Idell for their kindness.
Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers
Stephen and Debbie Douglass
Monday, April 22, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. May you all find peace and comfort. God Bless