Howell Ray Luper, known as Ray, passed away on September 3, 2024 in Lubbock, Tx at the age of 81.
Born on August 8, 1943, in Port Arthur Texas, Ray was the eldest of three children to Nettie Louise King-Luper and Carlton E.
Luper. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy Ann (Sanders) Luper, his children Joel, Carrie and Katy, and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Jane Nobles.
Ray served his country as a Cobra pilot in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1970 during the Vietnam War. He earned the Bronze Medal and the Air Medal with 33 “V” devices for valor in aerial combat.
After his military service, Ray continued his family’s tire business in Morton, Tx before establishing his own successful insurance agency. He served as Mayor of Morton from 1980 to 1988 and contributed over two decades of financial expertise to the Lion’s Club, American Legion Post 374 and the Cochran County Senior Citizens Center. He was a BSA Eagle Scout and a Texas Tech University graduate.
A private celebration of Ray’s life will be held at a later date.