Billy R. Loop

Billy Rex Loop, age 97, of McCook, NE passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

Bill was born January 7, 1920 in Stratton, NE to George A. and Bess M. (Crawford) Loop.  He graduated from Stratton High School in 1936.

Bill proudly served his country in the US Navy from January 7, 1942 until his Honorable Discharge on September 26, 1945.  He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the American Area Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal.  In honor of Bill’s humble and courageous service to his country, he was one of a number of veterans aboard the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. on October 21, 2008.

On March 16, 1942, he married Dorothy Irene Higley in Oberlin, KS.  Five children were born to this union; Dana, Roger, Rita, Gary and Gale. The family made their home in Trenton, NE until they moved to McCook in 1968.

Bill was the founder of Trenton Electric and L&L Plumbing and Heating in McCook.  He often set aside work for an afternoon cup of coffee with other local veterans.  Following his retirement at about 90 years of age, Bill could also be found volunteering at the McCook Food Pantry.  He was a past member of the VFW, American Legion, McCook Elks and Eagles Club.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy in 2010; and two sisters, Vola Carter and Beryl Harper.

He is survived by his sons, Roger (Donna) Loop of McCook, Gary (Beth) Loop of Eagle, NE, and Gale (Becky) Loop of McCook; daughters, Dana (Richard) Frakes of Trenton, NE and Rita (Richard) Reiman of Eagle; sister, Bonnie Hager of Imperial, NE; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; numerous cousins and a host of friends.

Memorial services with Military Honors will be held at 10AM on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Steve Bales, officiating.   A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.