Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Arnett at 2:00 p.m.on Feb. 13, 2015, with burial following at DeBolt Cemetery in Arnett.

Viewing Hours:
Wed. 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday 9 am to 7 pm, Friday at the Church.

Virgil L. Roper passed away February 9, 2015, at Grace Living Center in Woodward, OK, at the age of 99 years, 11 months and 19 days. He was born on the family farm north of Arnett, OK, to Joshua Rufus and Mandy Cordelia Sarah Catherine Little Roper. Virgil was the 12th of 12 children.

Although times were hard, Virgil developed a strong work ethic, a love of family, and an appreciation of what he had. He felt blessed to live where he did.

Virgil told stories of walking to Lone Star School in the winter, following his brothers and sisters who broke the wind, rain, or snow. He would often trap skunks before going to school. Other students did the same thing. Virgil said it must have smelled good as they stood around the pot-bellied stove!

He graduated from Arnett High School in 1934. Virgil didn't have an opportunity to attend college and wanted his children to have that opportunity. All three children are college graduates.
Virgil's 19 years on the Arnett School Board demonstrated his belief in education. He was a strong supporter of his community. He canvassed the county to bring in Rural Electric. He regretted that his mother died while they were installing the electricity so she didn't get to enjoy electric lights.

As a long time member and Deacon of First Baptist Church in Arnett, OK, Virgil showed how a Christian should live. He was always willing to help others. He volunteered many hours to help build the church building and used his truck to take kids and equipment to Falls Creek Camp.

On April 19, 1936, Virgil married Agnes Shields. He said she was the most beautiful girl in the world. They were blessed with three children: Linda, Jan, and Dix. During this time, Virgil worked as a farmer, rancher, and dairyman. In his spare time, he could be found rooting on the OKC Thunder. Following Agnes's death in 2005, Virgil described his marriage as 69 short years. After this Virgil moved to Providence Place in Woodward.

Virgil was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes, his parents, 5 sisters, 6 brothers, and 3 grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter Linda Staiger and husband Gary of Liberal, KS; daughter Jan Malone of Yukon, OK; and son Dix Roper of Gage, OK. Ten grandchildren: Kurt Staiger, Tom Roper, Florence Malone, Travis Malone, Shana Staiger, Newakis Garcia, Dana McDonald, Alana Bartsch, Mark Roper and Billy Malone; 26 great grandchildren; and 7 great great grandchildren.