Monroe L. Looney

Monroe L. Looney, 90, died peacefully at his home in Little Rock on May 24, 2015. Born September 12, 1924 in Collierville, Tennessee to the late J.L. and Hazel Woods Looney, Monroe grew up in Columbus, Mississippi, graduated from Lee High School and attended Tulane University and Mississippi State. He joined the Army in 1944 as a paratrooper and radio operator, and served in the Battle of Luzon, Philippines during WWII. Following the war, he began working with WCBI Radio in Columbus, where he met and married Barbara Rish and began a successful career in the radio industry with Mid-South Network in Mississippi. He moved to Little Rock in 1971 as General Manager for radio station KLRA AM. He was active in civic organizations throughout his career and recognized as a leader in the radio industry. Preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara; brother, Clarence; grandson, Jack Albert Roell II; and nephew, Randy Rickman. He is survived by his children, Ginger Roell, Monroe O'Lonney (Ellen) and Laura Smith (Todd); and granddaughters, Heather Witty (Darren) and Jessica Struby (fiancé, Will Leslie). Also surviving are his sister, Dorothy Rickman and her husband, Red, their children, Bill Rickman (Gail) and Sandra Barlow (Terry) and children; niece, Kappi Looney Allen and children; and nephew, Evans Looney (Dawn) and children. Monroe chose to be cremated and have his ashes scattered alongside his wife's. A family celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Mr. Looney's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.