Ray & Nancy Luper

Howell Ray Luper was born August 8, 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas to C. E. and Dugan Luper. Moving to Morton in 1948, Ray attended Morton Schools and worked part time for his dad at Luper Tire Service. After graduation from Morton High, he entered the school of business at Texas Technological College. During the summer of 1966, Ray was home working and met Nancy Sanders. In February, Ray was inducted into the Army and was sent to Fort Polk, Louisiana for basic training. Ray and Nancy were married June 10, 1967 in Whiteface. Nancy stayed with her parents until Ray was allowed to live off post where he was then stationed at Fort Wolters near Mineral Wells, Texas. This was the primary training base for Warrant Officers and helicopter pilots. Ray and Nancy were assigned from Fort Wolters to Fort Rucker, Alabama. After this transfer, Ray earned the commission of Warrant Officer and his wings as an Army aviator.

Moving to Fort Knox Kentucky, Ray was instructed in the OH-6A helicopter where he flew for the confirmatory tests for that aircraft. There, their only son Joel Ray was born April 11, 1968. Once again transferred, they moved to Savannah, Georgia to Hunter Army Airfield. Ray was then transitioned into the Cobra AH-1G attack helicopter. Stationed there for only six weeks, Ray then moved his family to Lubbock while serving a tour of duty in Viet Nam. Nancy and Joel lived in Lubbock and visited Ray's parents on weekends. Nancy worked in Lubbock to help pass the time more quickly. Joel was only months old when Ray went to Viet Nam and fifteen months when he returned.

The Viet Nam tour was an air to ground combat situation for Ray. The Bronze Star, Air Medal for Valor and Heroism was awarded to him. He also received an Air Medal with one through thirty-three thousand combat missions. Halfway through his tour, Nancy and Ray spent one week in Hawaii on R and R.

After Ray's return from Viet Nam, they once again returned to Savannah, Georgia for eighteen months. Ray was head of ordnance supply for AH-1G flight training. Their first daughter, Carrie Ann Renee, was born at HAAF September 22, 1970. Discharged in November 1970, Ray and family moved to Lubbock where Nancy worked and Ray attended Tech. Ray received his BBA in Management in 1972.

Moving to Morton in 1972, Ray once again begin working for Luper Tire and Supply. After the business incorporated in 1980, Ray became President and General Manager. Nancy also worked there and is now supervisor and secretary. Presently, Joel is working part time at Luper Tire just as his dad before him.

Ray has had a lot of civic and organizational work in the past fifteen years. Ray was a charter member of the Morton Jaycees, and served three terms as Director of the Morton Area Chamber of Commerce Board. Most of Ray's civic pride has been through the work for the City of Morton. He served twelve years on the City Council and has been Mayor for four consecutive terms. He helped secure grants to improve the city's gas lines, which were losing much revenue.

Recently, a grant for replacing some old water lines was awarded. Other improvements he has worked for include Seal coating all existing paved streets, implementing a garbage containerization system to replace the old trash can gaggle; purchasing new Christmas lighting and decorations for downtown; refurbishing all above ground water storage facilities; renovated waste water plant and dump ground facility; computerized billing and accounting system; and providing state of the art audio community storm and emergency warning system. The Fire Department now has excellent emergency service vehicles and Jaws of Life Equipment. Currently, the City Hall was renovated. It is a real pleasure now to show off our City Hall and hold Council meetings in more comfortable surroundings with plenty of room.

Nancy Ann Sanders Luper was born in Cochran Memorial Hospital October 29, 1947 to Charles and Ethel Sanders. She attended Whiteface schools and graduated in 1965. Active in sports and school organizations, she enjoyed her high school years. She attended one year at SPC in Levelland.

Living back in Morton she has been active in Girl Scouts, Cub and Boy Scouts, Little League, and school functions. She served on the Morton Area Chamber of Commerce Board for one year, and then became President for 1980-81. A member of the Emlea Smith Jr. Study Club since 1973, she held many offices including President from 1978-80. She was chosen Outstanding Jr. Clubwoman in 1979. On June 26, 1979 another daughter was born Kathryn Dyan "Kathy".

The three children have all been active in sports, organizations and school activities. Carrie was all district in basketball in 1986 and Joel was all district in 1986 for golf. Joel graduated from Whiteface High with honors and is now attending SPC in Levelland. Carrie has two years remaining in high school and has many awards and honors bestowed upon her. Kathy is in second grade and continuing the Luper tradition of honor grades. She has already won an outstanding merit badge for swimming.

Although the Lupers have traveled and lived elsewhere, there is nothing that can compare to our beautiful sunny days and the wonderful people living in Morton today. We just wouldn't rear our children in any big city!

Submitted by Nancy Luper