Edward R. Loper, 74, of Millville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 17, 2018 with his family by his side at Inspira Hospital after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. The husband of Patricia A. Loper, Ed was born in Bridgeton, NJ to the late John Loper and Virginia Jordan.  He lived in Millville for most of his life, and had also resided in Bridgeton, NJ and Ogden, Utah.

Ed was born in Bridgeton, NJ and raised in Utah when his family moved to Ogden. It was in Utah that he discovered his love of horses and horseback riding. He spent his young adult years as a professional bull rider.  He was a Veteran of the United States Army and completed a tour of duty in Korea. After moving back to NJ, Ed worked for Jordan Delivery Service, Wheaton Glass, and South State Inc. Having retired from South State Inc. after 25 years, he has worked for Sheppard Bus Service for the past 11 years. Ed continued to raise, ride and train horses for many years in the South Jersey area. He was a longtime farrier and blacksmith, and could be counted on to assist his friends and neighbors whenever help was needed on their farms, vehicles, tractors or horse trailers.

Ed was a member of the Millville Elks Lodge #580 and was active in the Cumberland County 4-H Club Program as a leader and parent for much of his life. He enjoyed spending time at flea markets and auctions, and he devoted many weekends to exhibiting his antique truck at auto shows.

In addition to his wife of 40 years, Pat, he is survived by his daughters Debbie Jablonski and her husband, Jake, of Millville, Kim Davis and her husband, Glen, of New York City, and Kelly Sheppard and her husband, John, of Millville. Ed is also survived by his sons Lee Sockwell and his wife, Jeanine, of Millville, and Randy Loper and his partner, Josette, of Millville. Ed is also survived by his 13 grandchildren Jacob, Forrest, Zachary, Quinn, Ryley, Johnny, Brooke, Georgia, Henry, Emma, Stella, Priester and Ryan. Ed will be sadly missed by his Australian Shepherd Dixie.

A memorial service will be held at the Barr Funeral Home, 2104 East Main Street, Millville, NJ on Monday, November 26 at 7:00pm. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 5:00-7:00pm prior to the services. Written condolences can be sent to the family at www.barrfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Cumberland County 4-H Programs, Cumberland County Extension Center, 291 Morton Avenue, Millville, NJ 08332, or the local chapter of the SPCA at http://southjerseyregionalanimalshelter.org/