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Martin Napper Obituary

NAPPER, MARTIN J., 56, passed away at his home, June 28, 2012.

He was a teacher for 34 years, and taught primarily at Holy Cross High School and Mercy Academy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys (Silliman) and Joseph L. Napper; and sister, Elizabeth Ann Horlander; brotherm Richard A Napper.

Survived by his loving wife of 35 years, the former Diane M. Blake; and son, Blake Napper (Natalie); sister, Mari K. Rixman (Chris) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. on Sunday at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway with cremation to follow. Visitation is 2-8 p.m. on Saturday and after 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association or Hosparus.

On line [email protected]

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Courier-Journal on Jun. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Napper

Not sure what to say?





Kristin (Meyer) Padavick

July 2, 2012

I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Napper was a wonderful teacher and touched so many. I know he will be missed terribly. He was the first history teacher to really bring it alive for me and I have loved studying it ever since. I think of him when I study with my own kids. He was one of my favorite high school teachers. Mercy '85

July 2, 2012

All my love and sympathy to the Napper family. Napper, you were hands down one of my favorite teachers and you taught me what it was to be a woman of Mercy. Rest in Peace, I'll always think of you when I go to Lively Shively.

Megan Bishop, Mercy Academy Class of 2009

July 2, 2012

Diane and Blake,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers for the last few months and will continue thus for many days to come. It is a joy to reminisce how graced we were to have shared his presence among us. Inspiritional and unforgettable are descriptions that fit him well.
No doubt his wit and wisdom are now being shared among the Saints in heaven. I believe my latest brother may well join ranks with him.
Mary Corinne Burt, RSM

Beth Feger

July 1, 2012

I was lucky to have known you.

Mercy '86

July 1, 2012

I was so sorry to hear about Marty's passing. I taught Blake in the 4th grade at Sts. Simon and Jude and remember how involved his Dad was in his education. I will pray for you and your family.
Patricia Reed Wheeler

Valerie Ponder

July 1, 2012

Your family are definitely in my prayers during this time, however I want to remind you to smile as that is one of the many things I remember about Mr. Napper. He is one of the few teachers I always think of everyday, as there is always something that brings him to mind. Mr. Napper was an AMAZING teacher and person. He is the benchmark on what other people should follow. Please know he will be truly missed. I will continue to pray for you all and I hope you preserver during this difficult time.

Sharon (Eichler) Nolan

July 1, 2012

Mr. Napper was a wonderful teacher. He was my teacher at St. Vincent de Paul and then left the year I graduated and began teaching at Mercy. I was so thrilled when he told us that he would be teaching at Mercy. I had the privilege of being his student again at Mercy. He always made learning fun. Prayers are with you and your family.

July 1, 2012

Mary Kay, I am very sorry for your loss. You have been through so much. I will pray for you and your family that God gives you strength.
Karla Schmitt Blain

Wayne Murphy

July 1, 2012

I worked with Marty on the maintenance crew at Bishop David when we were in college. He was always such a fun loving guy. I am shocked to hear about his passing, but it is wonderful to hear of the positive influence that he obviously had on so many students over the years. He will certainly be missed.

The Tyler Family

July 1, 2012

Mr Napper was the reason my daughter was chosen to attend Governors' Scholar this year....One of his last gifts to a student while here on earth....You're one of a kind sir and we love you! Mercy Academy

Betty Dwyer

July 1, 2012

So sorry to heart of Marty's death. What a wonderful person to be taken so young. I worked with Marty at HC and knew him from his days at Mercy & Pres. I know he suffered a lot, but what a sense of humor he kept through it all. My prayers are with Diane & Blake. Just remember there is no more suffering.

The Gile Family

July 1, 2012

Our prayers are with the Napper family. Like so many others, we are saddened by his loss. He was always there to help his students and he never pulled any punches. My daughter Lauren loved his classes for he always made learning fun. Rest In Peace Mr. Napper.

Linda Rabenecker-Ruffenach

July 1, 2012

My prayers are with Mr. Napper's family. It has been almost 30 years since he was my teacher but he still stands out as one of the most memorable people from my time at Mercy. His love and passion for learning was contagious and he made learning fun.

James Streble

June 30, 2012

You will be missed Mr. Napper. You instilled my passion for history and reading. Thank you for everything.

HCHS 2000

Kristine

June 30, 2012

Mr. Napper was one of my favorite teachers, everyone loved him. He will be missed.

HCHS 1998

Sara Wahl Bumgarner, HCHS 1993

June 30, 2012

Mr. Napper was an amazing teacher, coach, and mentor. He sure kept us laughing! My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Rachael Wright-McClellan...HCHS class of '93.

June 30, 2012

Dear Napper Family,
I was saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Napper. He was one of my favorite teachers at HCHS. He had a wonderful personality and sense of humor. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. God be with you and may he rest in peace.

Beth Betll Polston

June 30, 2012

Mr. Napper was a great man who served God by being a fabulous friend and teacher. He had a positive impact on thousands of lives. What an incredible legacy to leave behind. He was an intelligent and gifted teacher who managed to make learning fun. We are better for having had someone so great to lose. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with his family.

~ OLOM '86

Lisa Baxter OLMA class of '84

June 30, 2012

I was saddened to hear! He was such a fun teacher, one of my favorite high school pictures is an LASS fair where he dressed as The Hobbit. Keeping his family in my prayers.

June 30, 2012

My thoughts & prayers are with the Napper family. I am blessed to have been able to be one of his students at HCHS. Mr. Napper was a great teacher. The Lord has called home an angel.....Earth has no sorrow that HEAVEN cannot heal.

Erica (Wilson) Smith HCHS class of 92

Donna Asta

June 29, 2012

I can't tell you how sad I am to hear of Mr. Napper's passing. He was such an incredibly positive influence on all of us at Mercy. You could tell he loved being a teacher...and it made his students love learning. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time and always.

Kate Gaddis

June 29, 2012

I was very lucky and honored to have Mr. Napper as a teacher. He was one of the best teachers I ever had. He was one of those teachers who really made learning for all it's worth. I cannot tell you how saddened I am by his passing. He was such a gracious man and he will deeply be missed!

June 29, 2012

Prayers go out to the Napper family.
Mr. Napper was a very influential and positive teacher in my son Justin Endler's days at Holy Cross. I went on the trip with him and Justin's class to Washington D.C. It was a good time. He was a wonderful person and will never be forgotten. Thank you for all you did for us. God Bless and rest in peace. Theresa Endler

J Myers

June 29, 2012

My prayers are with the Napper family. Mr Napper was a wonderful teacher.

Marcia & Steve Bishop

June 29, 2012

Dear Napper Family,
Mr. Napper was one of my daughter Megan's favorite teachers while at Mercy. We are so sorry for your loss, and like all of the Mercy family, we are keeping you in our prayers.

KK Clark

June 29, 2012

Mr. Napper was the best, he filled the long days at school with laughter. He will be missed, lots of thoughts & prayers heading towards the family.

Heather Byers

June 29, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the Napper Family. Mr. Napper was a great teacher and he will be missed.

Lisa Senn Adams

June 29, 2012

Mary Kay,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole Napper family. Having just lost a brother to cancer in late March, I can sympathize with what you all are going through. Thank goodness AM/BD/Holy Cross is pretty good about passing on news since I am no longer in the immediate area. I am sure you have many happy memories to cherish and over time those will be a great comfort to you.

Lauren Young

June 29, 2012

Mr. Napper was one of the absolute best teachers I ever had, and Mercy will never forget him. He will truly be missed by many people. I will be praying for his family through this time.

Jim protenic

June 29, 2012

We are so sorry for your loss. Marty was a great friend for over 30 years. I have, and will miss him. He was a teacher and a person I truly respected. A contribution will be made on his behalf by our family.

Bridgett Gathof

June 29, 2012

Mr. Napper was one of the first teachers I met when my daughter attended Holy Cross. I watched her thrive as his student. I was, and am, impressed at his teaching method, his strength and his heart. More than anything I remember his love for his students. And I saw their love for him in return. He will be forever missed and forever remembered by those he touched ... students, co-workers, and parents alike. My heart breaks for those he leaves behind and my prayers are with you all.

Bridget Bourke Brake

June 29, 2012

He was a great coach, wonderful teacher and an awesome person. Diane, Blake and Natalie may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. God Bless you.

Lesli Conliffe Bethard

June 29, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the Napper Family. Mr Napper was one of my favorite teachers at Mercy and he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Sue Utley

June 29, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. We are here for
you whenever you need us. We love you! SSS Girls

Brittany Vorreiter

June 29, 2012

Mr. Napper was one of those rare people who made such a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. He was a fantastic part of my Mercy experience, and I remember always walking into his classroom, excited to learn about something new and different. Even when I was having a rough day, he always had a witty way of showing the positives. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Kasi Hilton (Carter)

June 29, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the Napper Family. I enjoyed being in Mr. Napper's class. He has had a positive influence on so many students. May he rest in peace.

Debbie (Smith) Thompson

June 29, 2012

Mr. Napper started HC when I was a freshman and coached our volleyball team. I loved his wit and his compassion. I loved to run into him over the years...always that same man...cutting up!

June 29, 2012

Mary Kay,
I am thinking of you and Ann again today.
My heart goes out to you as you have another painful loss in your family. You and Chris are in my prayers
Vicki Ziegler

June 29, 2012

My prayers are with the Napper Family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Napper was a great man, & teacher and he will never be forgotten!
Michelle O'Bryan Pence

Marty and me at his benefit

Dan Hutti

June 29, 2012

Dan Hutti

June 29, 2012

My Prayers are with Diane and family.

Rest In Peace Marty

Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results

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Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:

Owen Funeral Home - Dixie Highway

5317 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40216

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