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Submitted: 7/24/16 • Approved: 7/25/16 • Last Updated: 3/25/18 • R133889-G0-S3
January 29, 1925 - March 6, 2013
Laurice Dean "Buddy" Napper, a Ruston politician, attorney and professor passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at his home in Ruston, LA.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sara Ann Baskin Napper; children Suzan and Wallace Martin of Ruston; Katherine and James Freeman of Franklin, TN; Laura and Greg Champion of Birmingham, AL. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Beth and Greg Martin of Birmingham, AL; Leigh-Baskin and Clay McConnell of Ruston; Mark Freeman of Fort Worth, TX; Chris Freeman and Luke Freeman of Franklin, TN.; Joshua Champion, Sarah Baskin Champion, Abby Grace Champion and Luke Martin Champion, of Birmingham, AL; Great-Grandchildren, Alexandra Baskin and Parks McConnell of Ruston, and Brennan, Madison and Baker Martin of Birmingham, AL; and his brother- in- law, William Sanders Baskin of Ruston, as well as his nephews & nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lue Mark Napper and Maude Rogers Napper; and his brother, James Harold Napper.
Buddy was born in Simsboro, Louisiana, where he grew up and graduated from high school. He served during World War II with the U. S. Navy. Upon his return, he became a student at Louisiana Tech University, lettering in basketball and baseball.
Napper enrolled in Louisiana State University Law School in 1947. Upon graduation, he returned to Ruston and joined with O.L. Waltman to form a successful law practice that lasted 51 years. Partnering with Ray Madden and Tommy Rogers, the law firm is now Napper, Madden and Rogers.
Buddy was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1952, as the youngest member of the State House, where he served 12 years. His people skills and ability to communicate enabled him to serve on key committees where he promoted good government for Lincoln Parish, Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University.
He was a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association for 50 years. His peers elected him to the Louisiana Law Institute for over 35 years. He also served as a director of Lincoln Bank and Trust.
Napper was an ambassador for Lincoln Parish with an impressive record of many professional and civic contributions. His involvement with Lincoln Parish was widespread and involved various transactions which brought new business and industry to the area.
His love and competitive drive always kept him in the athletic circles; He coached and played for an American Legion baseball team, played semi-professional baseball for the Winnsboro Red Sox. He was an avid tennis and golfer who enjoyed a unique relationship with the legendary, Ben Hogan.
He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served on various committees and was a life member of the board of the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home in Ruston.
Buddy loved his hometown, worked tirelessly to promote it and to be involved in showing the quality of life Ruston and Lincoln Parish offered.
The family would like to express our appreciation and thanks to Phillip Lewis, Terry Randel, Frenard Broadnaz, Tyson Payne, Lenard Pruitt, and LaTonya Jackson, who provided our Dad with excellent, compassionate and loving care during the last year of his life.
There will be a time of visitation at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1000 W. Woodward Avenue, Ruston, LA on Friday, March 8, 2013 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM.
The funeral service will be at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1000 W. Woodward Avenue, Ruston, LA, on Friday, March 8, 2013 at 11:00 AM.
A graveside service will follow the funeral service at the Simsboro City Cemetery, Simsboro, LA.
Pallbearers will be his nephews: Jim Napper, James Napper III, Lue Napper, Lomax Napper, Marshall Napper and Travis Napper.
Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Rogers, Ray Madden and Johnny Maxwell
Contributed on 7/24/16 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 133889