Maxwell Lavon "Max" Loper

Maxwell Lavon Loper, 84 of the Sunflower community, moved to his heavenly home Wednesday morning, June 14th, 2023. He was born April 22, 1939 on the family homeplace in Hattiesburg, one of twelve children to Eli Franklin and Vasti (Anderson) Loper. Max grew up in Forrest County around the Lake Shelby area, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing with his siblings. Being one of twelve, they were a rambunctious bunch that was always into something. Max was a worker though, and went to work driving as soon as he could physically do the job. Of course, there was a small fib about his age, but that didn't stop him. He dropped out of high school and drove over the road for several years. He met Beverly while working in Cape Girardeau, MO, and they were later married in 1978. After a few years, they moved back to South Mississippi to be closer to home. Max left the trucking world and went to work for James Tubbs Logging as a mechanic, spending the next twenty years there before retiring. He is remembered as a faithful Christian and dedicated servant to the church and others. His faith was the foundation of the person he was, and a reason Max was beloved by so many. He was always willing and eager to help in any way he could. In retirement Max continued to enjoy the outdoors and spending time with his grandkids. Of course he took them hunting and fishing, but also did woodwork projects and more with Hannah, and rebuilt Trey's first truck from the frame up. Max loved travelling, especially with his family, and did so quite often. Among their favorite place to visit was Alaska, which they visited at least five times. Those were some adventures in themselves, but they made many memories along the way. Max was definitely a loving husband, father, grandfather and true family man who will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded by his parents, Eli and Vasti Loper, his brothers Donald Anderson, Everett, Frank, Edwin, Charles, Elmer, and Jimmy Loper, and his sisters LaQuita Hardis and Judy Loper. Left to cherish his memories are: his loving wife Beverly; daughters Michelle (Freddie) Wegner, Ursula Loper, Sue Loper, and Belle Loper, along with his son, Max Loper; brothers Eli (Clara) Loper and Douglas Loper. Max leaves a legacy of two grandchildren: Hannah Wegner and Trey (Anna) Wegner, three great-grandchildren: Kynleigh Head, Maxwell and A.J. Wegner, along with numerous extended family and friends through the years. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 17th in the sanctuary of Bethel Baptist Church in Wiggins. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11 AM, with Pastor Freddie Wegner officiating. Interment will follow in the Sumrall Cemetery in Perkinston. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Loper family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through the days ahead.