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JEARL D. LOOPER JR.
1934 – 2020
Looper obit pic
Jearl was born in Modesto, California in 1934 and lived in Oakdale for 85 years. His parents were Jearl D. Looper, Sr. and Christine Looper. As a young man, Christine “forced” Jearl and his brother Ed into ballroom dancing lessons at the Edwards Dancing School in Oakdale where he met his future wife, Ardythe.
Oakdale High School was his alma mater. While playing high school basketball, he was known for his “wicked” overhand shot. After high school, he attended Modesto Jr. College and drove a school bus for students.
During the Korean conflict, Jearl served as a corporal in the Army and was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. He and Ardythe were married in 1957. Jearl worked in the family business, J.D. Looper Trucking, with his father and brother, where he drove a truck and helped maintain the vehicles. He was known for his dry sense of humor and being a man of his word. Many business deals were made with a handshake and a promise.
Jearl enjoyed wearing his cowboy boots, and he did whenever the occasion allowed. After retiring, he and Ardythe traveled with friends in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, the Caribbean, and Alaska. He spent many happy hours playing pool at the Oakdale Senior Center. For thirty years, Friday nights were reserved for their “dinner group” with friends they had known for most of their lives.
Jearl’s Parkinson Disease symptoms worsened thirteen years after his original diagnosis, and he spent his last year at Graceful Living. The family is very grateful for the care he received there.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ardythe Looper, brother Ed Looper, children Julie (Bryan) Minabe and Rick Looper, grandchildren Melissa (Brad) Franca, Aaron Jearl (Amanda) Wharff, Brenton (Dru) Looper, and Megan Looper, and great-grandchildren Carter and Brenna Franca, Posey and Henley Wharff.
Burial will be private.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Jan. 15, 2020