Harvey Monroe Roper

Obituary printed in the Robstown Record, Thursday, March 23, 1950

Services Held Tuesday for H. M. Roper,
One of South Texas's Best Known Real Estate Men Passes

Harvey M. Roper, 74, one of Robstown's most prominent and best known citizens for more than 35 years, passed away in a Corpus Christi hospital at 10:15 o' clock Sunday night, March 19, following an extended illness.

Funeral services were held here at the First Methodist Church Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock with Rev. Lawrence K. Brown, pastor, officiating Robstown Masonic Lodge No. 1062 A.F. & A.M. was in charge of the graveside services in Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi.

Mr. and Mrs. Roper moved to Johnson City in April of 1947, but returned to Corpus Christi several months ago due to failing health and to be nearer their children.

Survivors include his wife, one son, Charles Roper of Mission; two daughters, Mrs. L. E. Perry and Mrs. Bert D. Clemons, both of Corpus Christi; one brother, J. O. Roper of Robstown; one sister, Mrs. O. L. Wallace of Lampassas, six grandsons, one grand-daughter and one great-grandson.

Pallbearers were C. W. Homeyer, Jr., J.C. Mayo, Roy Dennis, W. J. Bryan, Louis Rauch, Clyde Cates, George Wilson, and Wallace Davis.

Mr. and Mrs. Roper came here from the "Hill Country" to help settle a young but growing community. In April of 1947 he retired, several hundred of their friends gathered at an appreciation dinner here to bid them farewell and to show their gratitude for their leadership and service to the community.

In July 1912 Mr. Roper entered the real estate business here and followed that profession until he moved to Johnson City, although in later years he had been active in oil leasing and brokerage services throughout South Texas. He owned considerable real estate here and in other South Texas counties at various times.

His reputation as an outstanding real estate man was well known throughout this entire section. He handled many of the larger business transactions here and played an active part in the development and growth of Robstown as a shipping and retail center. Through the years he handled the sale of much of the farm land in this area as well as numerous homes and the development of two additions on the west side of the city.

He built one of the city's finest homes on Ligustrum Boulevard in 1924 which was sold in 1940 to Dr. and Mrs. Belo Stone.

He and Mrs. Roper were active in the Methodist Church. He had served as a member of the board of stewards for all but one of those 35 years and also as a trustee of the church.

Not only did Harvey Roper establish an enviable reputation as a realtor and developer, but he contributed generously to charities and other civic enterprises in both time and money. He served two terms on the city council and was active in the establishment of the Masonic Temple Building Association which erected the Masonic Building here. He served many years on the board of the Chamber of Commerce and was active in that organization during his entire residence here. He was also a member of the Rotary Club, having joined that service organization shortly after it was organized here.

His passing marked the end of a passing era for Robstown and Nueces County, but he left his friends and neighbors a heritage to be cherished for many years to come.

Transcribed by great-granddaughter, Gayle Clemons Newkirk.