Rev. Elgar Clyde Soper
The Rev. Elgar Clyde Soper, 102, died Dec. 20, 2016, at Homewood Continuing Care at Crumland Farms in Frederick, the oldest surviving pastor in the conference. A memorial service was held Jan. 14, in the chapel at Homewood at Crumland Farms.
Elgar Clyde Soper was born Nov. 3, 1914, in Olney. He was ordained in 1940.
He was a graduate of Duke University and Duke Divinity School in Durham, N.C., and was ordained in the Methodist Church in 1940. Churches served include Potomac Methodist, 1940-43; Cabin John Methodist 1943-46; four churches in New Windsor from 1946 to 1952; St. John's Trinity in Baltimore 1954-58; Oxon Hill 1958-66; Good Shepherd UMC, 1966-72; Colesville UMC, 1972-1979 when he retired. In retirement he served four years at Sandy Hook UMC, bringing to 40 years he served. .
Preceding him in death was his first wife, Audrey Lorraine Ricketts Soper.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lucile Olson Gunn Soper; sons David Stanley Soper and his wife of Southern Shores, N.C., Stewart Soper and his wife of Salisbury, and daughter Cheryl Soper Damico Vincent of Clarkston from his first marriage; stepchildren Delia Gunn Bonenberger of Springville, N.Y., Adele Gunn Gill of Boonsboro, and Timothy Gunn of Charlotte, N.C. and their spouses; nine grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be sent to his wife, Lucile Soper, 7401 Willow Road, # 454 Frederick, MD 21702.
Memorial contributions may be made to Homewood's Benevolent Fund, 7407 Willow Road, Frederick, MD 21702.