Herman Wesley Stroupe, Jr.

Herman Wesley "Wes" Stroupe, Jr. 91, of Asheville, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at Mission Campus. Born in South Carolina, he was the son of the late Herman and Marie Stroupe. He was also preceded in death by sisters Hilda Stroupe Austin Sorrells and Edith Stroupe Ensley. Mr. Stroupe graduated as Salutatorian from Swannanoa High School. He retired as a manager with Carolina Tractor Co. after thirty-five years of service. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church, and a member of the American Legion for seventy years. Mr. Stroupe was a First Lieutenant in the 8th Army Air Force 490th Bomb Group, flying thirty combat missions in B-17's and ferry missions bringing B-25's across the Atlantic from Aftrica. Surviving is his wife of thirty-eight years, Dorothy Lovin Stroupe; children, Wesley Baxter Stroupe and wife Patty of Bent Creek, Lesley Brown and husband Ron of Florence, AL, Denise Stroupe-Mueller and husband Jeff of Sheridan, WY, and Anthony Stroupe of Asheville; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sisters Doris Clayton of Asheville, Marjorie Loven of Asheville, and Ann Coffey of Swannanoa; and special friends Tammy and Clint Gorman and sons, Claudia and Bill DeFouw, and Tera and Randy Buchanan. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 5, at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery Chapel, with the Rev. Dr. Robert Blackburn and the Rev. Amy Leachman officiating. Pallbearers will be Wes Jr., Josh, Robert, Steven, Brian, Brad, Matthew, and Lloyd. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road.