HOOPER

Norman Dee Hooper, 89, of Rock Island, passed away Dec. 1 at his home in Rock Island.

The youngest of four children Norman was born in Rock Island Mar. 31, 1932 to Dan Sr. and Bertha (Moss) Hooper. He attended local schools in Rock Island until 1950.

He worked several years for Colorado County Pct No. 1 in Rock Island before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He enlisted into service in 1951 and was stationed in San Diego, California before going to Asia.

While in the service, he married Ida “Sue” Waits July 25, 1952. After being discharged in 1957 he worked for Reading & Bates. Through his career he had many opportunities traveling to different countries, even staying three years overseas in Europe before moving back and making his home in Rock Island. Norman retired after 35 years.

He was a member of the Columbus Caledonia Masonic Lodge No. 68., and a founding member of the Rock Island Volunteer Fire Department.

Norman is survived by two children, Norma Sue Nance and husband Kenny of Rock Island; Scott Hooper and wife Denise of El Campo; brotherin-law Harold Waits and wife Paula of Houston; grandchildren Hailey Noska, Cody Nance, Ashley Terrell, Cory Hooper, Crystal Whisnant, Sharon Hippensteel and Amanda Hooper; 13 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends Billy Mayes, Larry Moss and George Riley.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ida “Sue” (Waits) Hooper; parents Dan Sr. and Bertha (Moss) Hooper; sister Dorothy Girndt; brothers Johnny Lee Hooper and Dan Hooper, Jr.; sons John William Hooper and Kenneth Wayne Hooper.

Visitation was Monday, Dec. 6 at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus.

Funeral service was Tuesday, Dec. 7 at Henneke Funeral Home, where Pastor Calvin Harris officiated.

Pallbearers were Billy Mayes, Jerry Hooper, Kenny Nance, Shannon Owers, Cody Nance, and Eric Waits. Honorary pallbearers were Harold Waits, Larry Moss, George Riley, and Cory Hooper.

Memorials may be given to Houston Hospice – El Campo, P.O. Box 1417, El Campo, TX 77437 or Myrtle Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 143, Rock Island, TX 77470.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.