Dallas E. Roper

Dallas E. Roper passed away on Monday, March 2, 2015 at Health Park Hospital in Fort Myers, FL.  He was 81. A native of Coushatta, LA, he graduated from Coushatta High School and received a BA in journalism from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.  He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and at Twentynine Palms, CA.  He was life-long Democrat and a dedicated supporter of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Roper's first career, journalism, began as editor of the Ruston (LA) Daily Leader, followed by stints as state editor and managing editor of the Monroe (LA) Morning World and News-Star, and as a bureau chief at the San Bernardino (CA) Sun-Telegram.  His second career, advocating for teachers, began in Fontana, CA where he served as the first executive director of the Fontana Teachers Association. In 1972 he moved to Indiana where he served in a number of positions with the Indiana State Teachers Association until his retirement in 1996. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emile and Cathryn Roper of Natchitoches and his Great Aunt, Tressie Cooper, of Coushatta.  He is survived by his loving partner, David Swedberg of N. Fort  Myers, FL; his daughter, Emilie Roper Smart and son-in-law John M. Smart of Baton Rouge; one uncle, Shelby Roper, Baton Rouge; and many cousins in Louisiana and Texas. A memorial service will be held in the next few weeks.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Metropolitan Community Church of Baton Rouge are appreciated.