Arés Dante Roper was born on March 21, 1983, in the city of Chicago, Illinois, to his devoted mother, Maria Roper. He was nurtured in a loving household, surrounded by the unwavering support of his mother, his father, Kim Lamar Howell, and the cherished presence of his great-grandmother, Mildred Johnson, with whom he formed a deep and lasting bond until her passing. As the eldest of two children, Arés has always carried the responsibility and privilege of being a guiding light for his younger sibling, Ariel L. Howell.Arés' treatment of others was a testament of his spiritual and and undeniable faith in Jesus Christ. He embraced Christ at a young age at Calvary Baptist Church in Glenwood, Illinois, where he was guided by the inspirational leadership of Pastor David L. Bigsby. This pivotal moment in his life set the foundation for a journey rooted in love, inclusiveness, and personal growth.Arés graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 2001. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in June 2001 to serve his country. Following his military service, Arés worked at Ingalls Memorial Hospital for three years, then at Advocate Christ Medical Center for an additional three years and finally spent six years working at PepsiCo.He eventually launched his catering company, "PhoodJunkie," where he cultivated his passion for culinary arts. Ares took immense pride in the exceptional quality, succulent tenderness, and vibrant flavors of his BBQ. He often delighted customers with samples of new meats he introduced to the menu, a strategy that frequently led to eager orders of full pans of the dishes they tasted. His unwavering dedication and love for grilling fueled the growth of his business, establishing it as a revered smoke master operation that enchanted loyal customers and attracted elite clientele.Arés married his beloved Erica Jimenez-Contreras, and together they were graced with two wonderful sons, Ethan James Roper and Liam Dean Roper. Arés was not just a husband and father; he was a cherished son, brother, and uncle, embodying love and devotion in every role he played. He took an active interest in the lives of his children, as well as his niece and nephew, forging deep connections that were built on respect, openness, and trust. Known as the laid-back disciplinarian, he struck a perfect balance between guidance and gentle understanding. Arés was admired for his mild-mannered nature, and his generous spirit, caring heart, and infectious humor endeared him to all who knew him. Arés embraced a variety of passions that brought joy to his life. He reveled in coaching his son's sports teams, the Tinley Park Bobcats and the Tinley Park Bulldogs, where he shared in the excitement of baseball and football. In addition to his community involvement, attending his eldest son's thrilling football games, intense wrestling matches, and exhilarating track meets at Victor J. Andrew filled him with pride and joy.Widely celebrated in Tinley Park for his exceptional grilling and smoking skills, Arés turned every gathering into a feast. Together with his partner, Kyle Farr, they earned the esteemed title of the "Cornhole" KINGS champions of Crescent Avenue, known for their spirited competitions and camaraderie. Ares also had a deep love for fishing, often seeking out serene, remote spots to unwind and connect with nature as he cast his line.On Friday, June 20, 2025, in Tinley Park, Illinois, the angels came and carried the spirit of Arés Dante Roper to eternal rest.Arés leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Erica; sons, Ethan James Roper; Liam Dean Roper, his mother; Maria Roper-Howell; father, Kim Lamar Howell (Pops); Mother-in-Law, Elsie "Ching" Contreras; sister; Ariel L. Howell; niece- Anaiya J. Howell; nephew- Ayden K. Saafir; stepbrother, Ramon Howell; grandmother, Bettie M. Marshall of Rockford, IL; Uncle: Clint "Shawn" Marshall of Houston, TX; Aunts: Vickie J. Love of Calumet City, IL; Cheryl B. Marshall of Houston, TX, Teresa Q. Steward (Matt) of Houston, TX, Allison L. Roper of Houston, TX; cousin, John "Tony" Roper; godmothers, Dr. Patty Johnson-Winston; Corliss Smith; best friend since 5th grade, James Wheeler (Shantá); and his beloved dog, "Rocky," a French mastiff, and a host of extended relatives and friends.