Leonard Ray Loop

Leonard Ray Loop, sixth child of Naomi Mae (Bickerdike) and Charles Daniel Loop, was born on May 10, 1937 in a home that was built by his father and uncles in rural Brownsville, Texas. Leonard’s childhood and the years of his youth were spent on the Loop Homestead with his loved ones. He passed from this life Friday, in the early morning on February 5, 2021, at Valley Baptist Harlingen after a period of failing health. He was 83 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife Debbie Loop; his four children Bonnie (Loop) Elbert (Mark), Ray Loop (D’Ann), Frank Loop, and Jeff Loop (Delinda), twelve grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Leonard attended El Jardin School and graduated from Brownsville High School in 1955. He later left Brownsville to join the air force. He was stationed at Fort Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland and served for five years. It was during his time in the service that he met his beloved wife, Deborah Joan Tysor. On May 5, 1962 Leonard married ‘Debbie” at Emory Methodist Church in Washington D.C. They resided in Washington D.C. while Leonard served in the Air Force.

Upon returning to Brownsville in 1964 Leonard worked briefly for Model Laundry Service and later joined his brother Charles and together they farmed under the name Loop Farms. Leonard loved the outdoors and he loved farming. He served on numerous boards throughout his lifetime including the Cameron County Appraisal District, Brownsville Co-op Gin, Cameron County Farm Bureau, Tip-O-Tex Elevator, and the Brownsville Irrigation District. He was also a devoted member of Central Christian Church of Brownsville.

Leonard loved hunting almost as much as he loved farming. He looked forward to each season with enthusiasm and over time enjoyed watching wildlife and birds. He looked forward to providing feed and water to wildlife and enjoyed checking his game cameras to see what wildlife had been to visit his feeders! Leonard was also an avid reader. Most afternoons at Loop Farms he could be found reading a book or magazine when he wasn’t visiting with a customer.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Dale and Charles Loop, and two sisters Anita (Loop) Baker and Doris (Loop) King.

Serving as Pallbearers are Ray Loop, Frank Loop, Jeffrey Loop, Garrett Elbert, Wyatt Elbert, Micah Elbert, and Honorary Pallbearers are Gary Eich, Connor Loop, and Dylan Loop.

In lieu of flowers, Per family's request a donation can be made to First Baptist School of Brownsville or to Central Christian Church of Brownsville:

http://www.fbcbrownsville.com/giving/

https://www.cccbrownsville.org/fundraisers

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Rose Lawn, 4464 Old Port Isabel Rd., Brownsville, TX 78526 and (956) 831-4216.