Dr. Kenneth Clarke Loper

Dr. Kenneth Clarke Loper, DVM, went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 13, 2021, while surrounded in love by his family. Born on Christmas Day in 1925 in Landisville, Pennsylvania to Clark and Anna Loper, the family moved to Sykesville, Maryland in 1931 where his father was the manager of the Fairhaven Dairy Farm. The oldest of five children, Ken worked at the farm during his youth. He started his education at the University of Maryland and transferred to the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine where he received his DVM in 1954. While at UGA, he met his future wife, Hazel Blackburn, of Savannah, GA. A few days after graduation in 1954, he and Hazel married. Ken enlisted in the US Army and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant, serving as an Armed Forces Food Inspector in the European Theater. Upon completion of his service, Ken and Hazel made their home in Sykesville, MD where Ken ran The Sykesville Veterinary Clinic on their property for more than 30 years. Upon retirement from private practice, they moved to Minnesota and North Carolina where he worked for over five years as a food inspector for the USDA. Ken loved to attend the yearly veterinary conference at UGA whenever possible to visit with former classmates and to learn new technology. On the anniversary of his 50th class reunion, Ken was awarded his gold medallion by his son, Daniel, who’d also attended UGA and was a fellow veterinarian. Ken was a lifetime member of the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association and a 68-year member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. He also was Past-President and former member of the Sykesville Rotary. When Hazel’s birth-home became available, they moved to Sylvania, Georgia and split their time between Georgia and Maryland for several years. After Hazel’s passing, Ken moved in with his son, John and Lori Loper in Lenoir City, TN. There, he was encouraged to tell stories of his past, honestly beat anyone at Progressive Rummy and Rummy Cube, and impart great wisdom to his son and grandson. He also began to write his “Remembrances” with stories from his youth to present day. Ken enjoyed the camaraderie of the menfolk who attended the daily “Krystal Breakfast Club” and the weekly “Shoney’s Breakfast Club”, and especially the fellowship of his Sunday School class at Central United Methodist Church. Although he didn’t discuss religion much, he was a devout daily reader of his Bible, and loved his Lord and Savior with all his heart. Ken also attended church services for as long as he could, even when he couldn’t hear the sermon or was most likely found asleep…he was just happy to be in the presence of his God. Ken always enjoyed the many antics of his grandson, Jacob, and went to many of his soccer games to cheer him on – even if he couldn’t understand the game. He also proved that an 87-yr-old could still make snowmen along with the best of them, have fun as a “bloody doctor” for Halloween, and make grape jelly. Due to Ken’s interest in genealogy, he and Jacob were able to piece together their lineage back to King James, as well as piece together the many puzzles that Ken was always working on. Being well traveled, Ken would recount his many adventures with detail, and even threw in some Latin medical terminology during doctor visits and hospitalizations to keep the staff on their toes. His favorite past-time was traveling to visit his brothers and sister, visiting with family and friends, and he absolutely loved getting a surprise visit from loved ones. He also enjoyed attending the yearly reunions of his Sykesville High School Class of 1943 when he was able to travel, and faithfully kept up with the few remaining members until his death. Due to declining health, Ken moved into River Oaks Place in 2016 and proved that he could surprise us many more times. An avid Bingo player, he would get a touch grumpy if he didn’t win at least one game per week. “Doc” became a favorite resident for his charm and knowledge and was able to find love again, which gave him great comfort. Whenever he had family visiting, he always introduced them proudly to residents and staff, even if they’d been there the day before. He was especially proud of his grandchildren Nate, Michaelyn, Gabe and Zeke whenever they came to visit and play cards with him, or even entertain the residents with their musical abilities. A “frequent flyer” at the doctor’s office and local hospital, doctors and staff knew him by sight and always took extra care of him. He relished life and prayed daily that he would never lose his faculties. Even during the worst of illnesses, Ken never lost his grace. When given the news that he would be placed on Hospice, and being the clinical doctor that he was, he calmly accepted it and said…” Well, it’s been nice knowing you.” The epitome of a gentle spirit and proper gentleman who didn’t think he was dressed if he wasn’t in a button up shirt and normal pants, he was a son, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle to us all. Ken was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Hazel Blackburn Loper, middle brother John Loper, and grandchild, Alexander Loper. Those left to celebrate his life are his favorite daughter, Patricia and Kevin Bennett of Westminster MD, and sons Dr. K. Alan and Laurie Loper of Columbus OH, John and Lori Loper of Lenoir City TN, Dr. Daniel and Teri Loper of Athens GA, and David Loper of NC. Grandchildren include Jacob Loper, Nicholas (Amanda) Loper, Ryan Loper, Jessica (Eric) Volkman, Katie Loper, Nathanial (Celeste) Loper, Leslie (Elton) Singletary, and Nathaniel, Michaelyn, Gabriel and Ezekiel Loper. Great-grandchildren are Adrian and Sharlotte Singletary, Tristian Loper, and Aubrey, Auriel and Aleia Loper. Ken’s brothers, Lawrence Loper, and Dr. Gerald (Ginny) Loper, and sister Nancy (Richard) Geiger. Ken’s special lady, Janice Shay, who brightened his heart and put a twinkle in his eye, and our sister of the heart, Wendy Messler. The family wishes to thank the staff of River Oaks Place in Lenoir City for their compassionate care, especially during this last year. We’d also like to thank Dr. Gail-Marie Walter for her guidance, understanding and patience with all of Dad’s issues, and the pastoral staff at CUMC for their regular visits and prayers with Dad. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 25th at 11:30 at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Sykesville MD. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be given in Dad’s memory to the Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s Associations, or to the local charity of your choice.

Dr. Kenneth Clarke Loper

December 25, 1925 - September 13, 2021