Tom Soper, 83

Long time distance runner Tom Soper broke from the starting line for his ultimate run on Saturday, April 17, 2021. That the course is an out-and-back, a loop, or a point-to-point is not known at this time. However, Tom told his support crew captained by his wife (and girlfriend forever) Lucy Ann Zimmerman that he had trained to stay course. Tom’s support crew includes his Son Paul Soper (Larry Mynatt), daughter Abigail Hess (James Paul), Step-son Matthew Morgan (Melinda Tilton), and step-daughter, Elizabeth Morgan (Weston Thompson). Also, standing strong in support is grandson Craig Thomas Hess and wife Brianna. Grandsons, Jesse Thompson and Joshua and Maxwell Morgan stand by. Special niece and nephew Melanie and Doug Bengston also give support.
Thomas James Soper was born on October 7, 1937 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Isabel (Bassett) and Harold M. Soper. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Harry James Soper II, also a distance runner.
Private family services will take place at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services in LaGrange.
A requiem mass will be said on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 2:00pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 110 South Clay Street, Sturgis, MI 49091. Those wishing to remember Tom Soper may donate to a charity of their choice or to the Midwest Museum of American Art (429 S. Main, Elkhart, IN 46576.)
The Griffith Street Gym will remain in operation under careful ownership and management by his Grandson, Craig Thomas Hess.