History - Roper and Sons

1874—1920

Roper and Sons Funeral Home has proudly served Lincoln, Nebraska families with honor, integrity, and dignity since 1901. Our family roots date back to 1874 with the birth of Charles H. Roper, who founded the company and began offering funeral services with Charles Beecher. The first facility was located at 124 South 13th Street in Lincoln, and thus began the longstanding tradition of caring for families that Roper and Sons has been known for more than a century.

1874

The Life of Charles H. Roper

Charles H. Roper was born August 16, 1874 near Exeter, where his father, who was from England, farmed. After graduating from Exeter High School, Charles farmed in the area and was married at University Place to Floy Elise Clark in 1899.

1900s

Roper & Beecher

The meeting of Charles & Charles is a bit of a mystery but historians like Jim McGee tell us that Charles Roper met Charles Beecher at University Place in Lincoln. It’s been said that Charles W. Beecher was known for hosting occasional illicit dances much to the chagrin of Nebraska Wesleyan’s very conservative faculty. In addition to Beecher’s social life he also operated an undertaking business on the southwest corner of Leighton and Fowler. Charles Beecher and Charles Roper planned to open their first mortuary while living at University Place.

1903

Castle, Roper & Matthews

In 1903, Beecher sold his share of the business to R.O. Castle. Not long after, Jack Matthews joined the firm. From there, it was known as Castle, Roper & Matthews. In 1906, the firm purchased the first horse-drawn ambulance in the city and five years later built their stone and terra cotta building at 1319 N Street, which they advertised as the “first modern mortuary.” This institution was complete with a chapel, rest rooms, a preparation room, a slumber room and a display room.

1921 – 1960

Roper and Sons Funeral Home continued to grow under the leadership of Charles H. Roper until his passing in 1957. It was decided at this time that, “…every effort should be made to carry on this business in the same manner in which he had always conducted it.”

1921

Roper & Sons

August 1921 – R.O. Castle passed away and his business interest was offered to C.H. Roper and Jack Matthews for a sum of $40k. Six years later, Charles decided that his sons, Max and Reg were ready to join the firm so he bought out Matthews’ shares.

1956

Growth of Roper and Sons

May 1956 – The Roper and Sons Board of Directors voted to purchase property just east of the Cornhusker Cabin Camp for its newest location now located at 4300 O St. Later that same year, Roper and Sons purchased the rest of the property to the west of 42nd St.

1957

The Death and Legacy of Charles H. Roper

October 30, 1957 – Charles Henry Roper, the founder of Roper and Sons, Inc. passed away.

June 1958 – President and Founder of Roper and Sons, Inc. stated, reflected in company minutes, “…whereas it was through his guidance, zeal, and foresight that this company has grown to it’s presents size and reputation in the community, be it thereby resolved that every effort should be made to carry on this business in the same manner in which he had always conducted it.”

1960-2021

In the 120 years since its first days, Roper & Sons has grown to include five chapels, including locations in Waverly and Firth. Every life is a story, and our stories continue to be defined by the courtesy and care we show to the families we see every day.

The staff at Roper and Sons were very helpful in planning the funeral service for my husband. They listened to what we would like to have done and they also made some suggestions that were very helpful. They took time with us to plan the service and did not rush us along.

—Vicki B.