Jerry Charles Soper

Jerry Charles Soper was born April 21, 1934 in Richmond, IN to Malvern and Kathryn Soper. Jerry was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and graduated from Purdue University with a B.S.E.E. in 1956. Three years of active duty service in the US Navy was followed by a career primarily in the aerospace industry, including launch support for NASA during the Apollo program. He received his MBA from Stetson University in 1970. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Marta; 3 of his 4 children: Cindy and her husband Jeff Ross, Kathy and her husband Tom Nutter, and Bob and his wife Sue; his son-in-law Bruce Doddridge; his 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild: Charlie Soper and his wife Annie and their daughter Eleanor, Dana Soper, Chris Soper, Katy Ross and her husband Tim Thannisch, Barrett Ross, Derek Doddridge, Juliana Doddridge, and Matthew Doddridge; and his 2 brothers: Gene, John and his wife Joanne, and their sons and families. His youngest daughter Susan died the same day, May 2, 2016. Jerry sang in the choir of every church of which he was a member, most recently Yorkminster Presbyterian Church. He was a man of faith, service and generosity. He most enjoyed spending time with family, cooking, baseball, history, genealogy, telling jokes, music and nature. A Celebration of Life for Jerry and his daughter Susan will be held Saturday, May 14 at 1:00 p.m. at Peninsula Community Chapel in Yorktown, VA. Interment will be at Earlham Cemetery in Richmond, IN at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please contribute in Jerry’s memory to a charity of your choice.