Durward "Pete" Roop

A man of few words, Durward “Pete” Roop’s quiet kindness, hard work, and appreciation for others inspired all who came to share time with him. A devoted father, Pete enjoyed nothing more than sharing time with his son. Pete’s quiet confidence, diverse skills, and impressive abilities to strike a deal are a small part of the humble legacy he leaves behind. While he will be deeply missed, Pete will long be remembered in the hearts and lives of those who knew him best.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression, 1935 gave birth to many celebrated firsts. While reeling in the heartache of Black Sunday, our nation’s 20.1% unemployment rate and the gathering war clouds as Germany passed the Nuremberg laws, Americans found much hope in Amelia Earhart’s’ first solo Pacific flight, the inventions of parking meters, fluorescent tubes for light, and the game of Monopoly, as well as the first Orange Bowl, first Pacific Airmail delivery, and the first Technicolor film; Mickey Mouse. Locally, in the heart of Indiana, Elmer and Minnie Roop held much hope for the future as they celebrated the birth of their son Durward in their home in Saint Joe on October 19th.

Born during a time of struggle and having grown up in a time of tremendous hope, innovation, and change, Pete, like so many in his generation, learned from an early age the importance of hard work and self-reliance.

With an inherent sense of perseverance and a natural curiosity for how things worked, Pete naturally embraced the world with a sense of wonder.

Pete’s natural drive kept him in a constant state of movement. Never one to sit for very long, Pete loved to tinker and work on big projects. Pete especially enjoyed working on homes. With a deep commitment to quality craftsmanship, Pete bought many homes to remodel and sell. The work it took to bring his vision for improvement proved a steady source of fun for Pete.

In 1966 Pete successfully took on the challenge of owning a cottage on Hamilton Lake. With tremendous care and passion, Pete lovingly created his treasured cottage on Hamilton Lake where he relished in spending his summers with his family. The summer home was often a place of merriment and good family fun. Whether boating or water skiing, Pete was sure to enjoy his time at the lake. In the 1960’s Pete’s love of the outdoors and a good adventure inspired a hunting and fishing trip with good friends in Maine.

Pete made his living as a truck driver for Universal Tool & Stamp and over the years drove more than three million miles. When not on the road, Pete was often found tinkering on and caring for one of the many great cars he owned. Pete’s mechanical skills coupled with his savvy negotiations helped him amass an impressive collection of vehicles during his lifetime. His collection included: several Thunderbirds and Mustangs, a Plymouth Prowler, a Pontiac Solstice, a tudor Ford Model A, a Graham, a Nash, an Edsel, a red 1956 Thunderbird and several newer modern sports cars.

In addition to his cars, Pete had several other important interests. He held a private pilot’s license and had a fractional ownership with a few close friends. He was a fan of Indiana University, and he loved a good hunting or fishing trip. Pete celebrated his faith as a devoted and loving member and trustee of Messe Chapel UMC.

Without a doubt, Pete’s greatest joy was his son Michael. A devoted father, Pete was most proud of Michael when he became the first in the family to graduate college from Indiana University. As a sign of his pride, he acknowledged Michael’s accomplishment of graduating from high school by surprising him with a gift of a brand new Ford Mustang. A particularly fond memory for the pair was when they traveled to Canada to bear hunt and fish. Michael also joined Pete on the road where the miles quickly passed in the simple pleasure of enjoying time with each other. Another great memory and moment of pride for Pete was planning, building, and developing a condominium complex on Hamilton Lake with Michael. Pete thoroughly enjoyed the labors and working side by side with his son as his partner.

Whether traveling the road, striking the next deal, or sharing his faith with his fellowship, Pete treasured the simple joys of life. Nothing pleased him more than sharing time with those he loved. It was in the comforts of those he knew best that his voice was more freely heard and his wisdom shared. Pete’s love of a good project, which was rooted in his natural zest for life, proved an inspiration for many. Loved by many, Pete will be long remembered and deeply missed.

Durward “Pete” Roop, 81, of Auburn, died Saturday, May 27, 2017, at his home. He is survived by a son, Michael Roop of Hamilton; sister, Helen Fugate of Auburn; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Ruth Ann (May) Roop; parents, Elmer and Minnie Roop; and a brother, William Roop. Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday with visitation one hour prior at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Rev. Bradley Sisk will be officiating. Visitation will also be held Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn. Memorial donations may be made to Meese Chapel United Methodist Church. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.pinningtonfh.com.