JIM RAPER

MOUNTAIN GROVE-A private committal service will be held at a later date at Morehead Cemetery for Anthony Coleman “Jim” Raper, 70, Mountain Grove, formerly of Lamar, who died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield.

Arrangements are under the direction of Daniel Funeral Home, Lamar.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mary Raper, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Mary, of the home; a daughter, Kristy Kinney and husband Terry, Lamar; a sister, Virginia Davis, Lamar; four grandchildren, Brian Raper and wife Kimberly, Troy, Kelly Coy, Lamar, David Murphy and wife Angel, Springfield and Jazmin Murphy, Lamar; B.J.'s fiance, Whitney West, Lamar and large extended Raper and Ratterree families.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Raper; five sisters, Imogene Hukill, Pal Geblin, Joan Halcomb, Maxine Gibson and baby Marie Raper and a son, B.J. Raper.

Mr. Raper was born Oct. 14, 1945, in Vacaville, Calif., to Bill and Goldie (Quick) Raper. After graduating from Vacaville High School, he entered the U.S. Navy, serving from 1965 through 1969. He married Mary Ratterree on July 20, 1968, in Mountain Grove and they moved to Lamar in 1974. He had worked for the City of Lamar as an electrician for several years before beginning a 23-year career at O'Sullivan Industries. His interest in classic cars prompted the creation of Mo-west Street Machines. He also enjoyed golfing, the fellowship of good friends and spending time with family. He and his wife returned to Mountain Grove in 2015, but remained close to their Lamar family and friends.