Dwayne Raper

Dwayne Raper, 77, of Ashdown, AR passed away Friday, January 24, 2025 in Hot Springs, AR. He was born February 15, 1947 in Osceola, AR to the late James Elkin and Gova Idell (Peery) Raper. He attended Victoria, AR Elementary and Luxora, AR Jr. High and High School. After graduating with the 1965 class, he attended the University of Arkansas, majoring in Agronomy, where he met his wife of 58 years, Jeanie Wright. Following his time at the University, he enlisted in the United States National Guard, where he served for 8 years. While Jeanie was attending UAMS School of Pharmacy, Dwayne moved to Ashdown and began farming and ranching. Mr. Raper served on serval boards in the community including the Little River Soil Conservation Board for 30 years, the Red River Commission and the Southwest Arkansas Water District. He and Jeanie owned The Corner Pharmacy in Ashdown for 36 years and were co-owners and partners of the Fish Bowl Restaurant for many years with Sue and Smokey Surber. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Ashdown where he was heavily involved with many church projects. His very favorite thing to do was pheasant hunting in South Dakota where he made lifelong friendships. He would spend two months planning his trips and telling stories of previous trips. He is preceded in death by his parents Elkin and Idell Raper, one brother, Jimmy Raper and two brothers-in-law, Paul Jackson and Phillip Wright. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jeanie Raper of Ashdown, one daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Jay Bernardi, three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Irene Jackson of Bryan, TX, Barbara and John Madigan of St. Louis, MO and Dianna and Damon Clauss of Plainfield, IL, one grandson, Clark Wright Clevenger of Ashdown and several nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 4:00 at First Baptist Church in Ashdown with Butch Riddle and D.J. Pope officiating. A visitation will begin at 3:00 at the church prior to the service. Interment to follow at Ashdown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church 70 N Park Ave Ashdown AR 71822.

Dwayne Raper

February 15, 1947 - January 24, 2025