Edward Wayne Soper

Edward Wayne Soper's journey of life began on November 10, 1937. He was born to a homemaker, Margaret Crabb Soper and a professional fisherman, John R. Soper in Richmond, Virginia. Edward was the youngest of 5 children. He was raised in a loving Christian home with solid country values and a Baptist spirituality. Ed's spirit was full of life and many times mischievous nature. He had little interest in school but had a passion for fishing. As a young man he would accompany his Father on the commerical fishing boats out of Chesapeake Bay. At age 17 he dropped out of high school, with his parents blessing, and enlisted in the US Air Force, lying about his age so he could get in. During his four years of service he was stationed for a time in Africa. His main job in the service was as a cooks help. There he learned the fine art of cooking, feeding and serving large groups. One of his perks while in Africa was to care for and maintain the officers thoroughbred Arabian horses. After completing the Air Force he came to California as his family and their growing families had all relocated to, leaving Virginia. He found himself looking for work applying at Dewey Pest Control. He was declined a job due to his age and inexperience in the pest control industry. Since he had nothing to do he asked them if he could tag along to watch and learn. Later he was hired and moved up the ranks to Regional Manager with a career that lasted 29 years. His pest control career continued even on a part time basis after retirement for 54 years. He was an active member and many years in a leadership role with the Pest Control Operators Association for Southern California and the International Food Service Association. He earned the respect in the highest regard from all who worked with him and for him.

In 1960 it was suggested to him to come by a popular honky-tonk to meet a friends visiting niece who was vacationing from Minnesota. The blind date that he espected would only last a brief time was where he met the love of his life, Diane. They were married 7 months later in May 1960. In March of 1961 they had their first and only child Cindy Lou. They purchased their first home in 1962 in Simi Valley amoung the orange groves. They lived there for 10 years then sold that home to move to the San Fernando Valley in Canoga Park. In 1990 their family grew a little bigger when they became grandparents to their one and only granddaughter, Lisa Anne. Levelle.

In 1993 Ed suffered a major heart attack, which resulted in quadruple bypass surgery. Although there was much damage to his heart he continued to live life to the fullest, work hard and enjoy his family, especially being a Papa to Lisa. As time passed he developed the need for a pacemaker and also was diagnosed with diabetes. In addition he began having extensive problems with congestive heart failure. In his final weeks his congestive heart failure become more aggressive and his kidneys failed. After several dialysis treatments it was confirmed that the dialysis was not working. On Tuesday, February 8th it was decided by the family to cease any further attempts of dialysis treatments and removeal of a ventilator. With Ed's loved ones by his side, he left earth and his weakened and sick physical body to be with his Lord and Savior in heaven where he now rests in peace.