A.T. Kiper, 96, of the Antioch Community, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, March 18, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. Audra Thomas Kiper was born on June 19, 1921, in Grayson, KY to the late Samuel Thomas and Nancy Jane Carwille Kiper. Mr. Kiper served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He married Rachel Williams on April 25, 1944, in Selma, AL and she preceded him in death on Sept. 4, 2014, after 70 years of marriage. Mr. Kiper worked in the oil field for Champlin Petroleum and as a farmer and rancher. He moved to Panola County in 1952, from Leitchfield, KY and was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Frances Wadle; grandson, Jonathon Kiper; 3 sisters; and 3 brothers.

Survivors include daughters, Rachel Bond and husband Jimmy of DeRidder and Robin Downing of Ft. Worth; sons, William Kiper and wife Sherry of Carthage, Dale Kiper and wife Carol of Columbia, CA, Lanny Ray Kiper and wife Mary Sue of Carthage, and Danny Ray Kiper of Carthage; son-in-law, Jerry Wadle of Overton; 19 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 23, 2018, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Rodger Cole officiating. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Bill Kiper, Ray Kiper, Kevin Kiper, Weston Kiper, Tristin Kiper, Brenden Kiper and Justin Kiper.

Memorials may be made to Antioch Baptist Church, 3218 F.M. 699, Carthage, TX 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.