Travis Dayton Looper

Travis Dayton Looper April 27, 1937 September 21, 2013 Dr. Travis Looper, 76, of Waco, died Saturday, September 21, 2013, after a long illness. Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 27, at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Dr. Looper was born April 27, 1937, in Wichita Falls. He married Jo Ann Arthur on December 7, 1960, in Raton, New Mexico, eloping during a blizzard. He was in the ministry for nine years. After earning Bachelor and Masters Degrees from Eastern New Mexico State University, he earned a PhD from Baylor University in 1976 in British Literature. He did post-graduate work at Texas A&M University. Dr. Looper was an instructor of English at McLennan Community College from 1968 until his retirement in 1995, serving five years as chairman of the English and the Language Arts departments during the 1970s. He was author of Byron and the Bible: A Compendium of Biblical Usage, published by Scarecrow Press, and was contributing photographer for Historical Markers of McLennan County, published by MCC to commemorate the Texas Sesquicentennial. He also published articles in professional journals. He was a member of several professional organizations. He was active in the art community, having his work accepted for display at the Waco Art Center during several Biennial shows. His work was featured in a special show at McLennan Community College in 2011. He and his dog Maggie earned Companion Dog certification in Obedience, qualifying every time they entered the ring. He studied philosophy and played classical guitar as hobbies. Dr. Looper loved teaching, loved his students, and his work has influenced hundreds of people over the decades. He was preceded in death by his son, John Charles Looper; and by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Jo Ann; daughter and son-in-law, Ruth Ann and Parker Pieri; grandchildren, Michael and Catherine Pieri; and a host of friends. Special gratitude is extended to Dr. Todd Blattman, Dr. David Pinkstaff, Dr. Robert Anderson, the physicians' staffs, Providence Hospice, the entire staff on The "B" Wing of Royal Manor Nursing Home and Providence Home Care. Memorials may be made to Caritas of Waco or the Waco-McLennan County Friends of the Library. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in Our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.