Lue Charles Napper was born in Simsboro on February 13, 1948, and passed away at his home in Ruston on September 13, 2024.  His parents were Harold and LaRue Napper.  He attended Simsboro schools until moving to Ruston at 16 years old.  Then attended Ruston High School where he graduated.  He attended Louisiana Tech University. After going on the first Louisiana Tech Rome trip, he and Becky Marbury Napper found each other and were engaged in December of 1969 and married in January of 1971.  They both graduated with degrees in Business from Louisiana Tech in November of 1970.

Lue worked part time at First National Bank while at Tech.  The president of the bank was the chairman of the Peach Festival and volunteered him to work at the Pageant.  Several years later Lue was asked to be the Executive Director of the Pageant.  Along with Judy Burt and David Hedgepeth he ran the Pageant for over 50 years.  He was also on the committee that founded the America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant and ran the pageant in Ruston until it was taken over by the Miss Louisiana System.  After he retired from the Peach Pageant, he served on the board of the Miss Louisiana Pageant.

He and Becky initiated The Marbury Lecture Series at Louisiana Tech University in 2006, and it is ongoing in its 18^th year.  It honors the late William and Virginia Marbury and is sponsored by the College of Business Louisiana Tech and Cedar Creek School in Ruston.  They also provided funds for a special lab in the college of education honoring the late Harold and LaRue Napper and provided   funds for the walk of honor in the Tech Field House.  They continue to support the Marbury Scholarships given through the Louisiana Tech Alumni Foundation.

Lue was a deeply dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed attending every competition his son had and loved watching his grandson Camdyn compete at swimming as well.  He was a talented artist who had much admiration for both artwork and the performing arts.  He was a faithful member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Ruston since he was married.

Lue is survived by his wife Becky Napper, son Lomax Napper, grandson Camdyn Napper, brothers Jimmy Napper (Charlotte Napper) and Marshall Napper (Paula Napper), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and LaRue Napper and his granddaughter Hope Marbury Napper.

Services for Lue Charles Napper are as follows.  The visitation will be at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer Ruston on Tuesday, September 17 from 5:00-7:00 pm.  The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer Ruston on Wednesday, September 18 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, Cedar Creek School, 4-Paws Rescue, and Louisiana Tech University.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

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