Danny Looper

Danny O’Neal Looper, 80, of Mayflower, Arkansas, passed from this life after a full and vibrant journey. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cherree Looper; children Dana Ray, Christy (David) Standridge, and Laura Mullins; siblings Robert Looper, Charles “Butch” Looper, and Billy Looper; grandchildren Dustin (Sarah) Standridge, Ashley Standridge, Haley (Scotty) Ferren, Hunter Standridge, and Addison Looper; and great-grandchildren Gavin Standridge, Addis Nichols, Harlon Standridge, Braylen Proctor, Alaysia Nichols, Willa Standridge, Raley Proctor, and Hezekiah Ferren. He was preceded in death by his parents and other cherished family members. Born on May 29, 1945, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Danny’s life was marked by faith, hard work, adventure, and deep devotion to his church and family.

Danny proudly served in the Army National Guard and spent most of his professional life in land development. A true outdoorsman, he loved the horseman and cattleman life, hunting, fishing, and living like a cowboy.

He met the love of his life, Cheryl “Cherree” Looper, at church when he accompanied his Aunt Sis. Coga Looper. Their first date, which included Sis. Cherree cooking pork chops for him, was the beginning of a 60-year marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Danny was known as the best kind of husband—strong, loving, and always making sure Cherree never wanted for anything. She has said many times that all she ever need was Danny Looper and God’s help to make it in this life.

Bro. Looper was a man of deep faith and a foundational pillar at the First Pentecostal Church of North Little Rock. His favorite passage of scripture was Psalm 23 and he lived a life worthy of that passage. He let the Lord lead him to green pastures (many of which he bought, developed, and sold), he walked through the valley of the shadow of death many times in his adventurous life, but always trusted God to protect him and keep him safe, his cup surely ran over with blessings, often blessing everyone around him, and goodness and mercy indeed followed him all the days of his life. The last line of the 23rd Psalm says, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Bro. Danny Looper lived that line every day of his life, spending hundreds of hours in walking back and forth in the mezzanine of the sanctuary praying his special prayers and seeking God’s will. He often said that he got more done in business by being in the sanctuary praying than he did any other way.

Bro. Looper lived generously, helping untold numbers of people with business, faithfully giving tithes and offerings, and supporting preachers. He had a “90-to-nothing” spirit—if he couldn’t do it fast or in a hurry, he didn’t want it. Still, he was also the most humble representation of patience.

To his family, Danny was Paw Paw—the best granddad there was. He was always ready for adventure, whether hunting, fishing, at the beach with Cherree, or in his airplane. His grandchildren never knew what to expect or how to prepare when he told them he wanted them to go with him somewhere, but they knew one thing for certain: it was going to be an adventure filled with excitement, possibly a little fear, and would produce several very funny stories about being with Paw Paw. His sayings—like “Take a chance,” “Yippee,” and,“Helllloooh”—will echo in the hearts of those who loved him.

Christmas was his favorite holiday, mostly because it was Cherree’s favorite, and he loved making it special for her. He had a unique gift for friendship—the kind of man whose word you could trust, who’d be there five minutes early, and who could make a grown man cry. He embraced life with the motto, “Eat to live,” and encouraged his loved ones to live fully and healthily, always eager to find a way to be more healthy so he could keep up with his grandkids and their adventures.

Danny Looper’s life was a tapestry woven of equal parts love, loyalty, adventure, and faith. His absence leaves a deep void, but his example—of a father, husband, Paw Paw, and a saint of God—will live on in the many lives he touched.