SFC (Ret) Robert Edward Hooper

Robert Edward Hooper, son of the late Alfred Emmett Hooper and Mary Alice (Booth) Hooper, was born October 8, 1940, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Due to this family being a military family, Robert grew up in Florida, Indiana, Germany, and Spokane, Washington, where he graduated from North Central High School. Shortly after graduating from high school, Robert entered the United States Navy and served on the USS Lexington, and the USS Hancock as an electrician. He then entered the Naval Reserves while attending college. Robert entered the United States Army, serving in the Finance Corp, entering as a Private First Class and earning the rank of Sergeant First Class before retiring in 1989. While in the military, Robert met a fellow soldier by the name of Susan Jeanne Thomas. They began dating and on April 28, 1981, in Denver, Colorado, they were united in marriage. They shared over 44 years of marriage together and were blessed with two children, Robert and Cassandra. In 1990, Robert and Susan moved to Waynesville, Missouri where Robert began volunteering for many community outreaches but was best known from being Santa for the Pulaski County Library from 1993-2019 and Theatre on the Square. He was a member of the Evergreen State Lodge in Tacoma, WA, Amity Chapter OES in Tacoma, WA, Copperas Cove Ch 1070 in Copperas Cove, TX; Hanson Chapter #22, Waynesville and Macks Creek #20 of Macks Creek, Scottish Rite, and Abou ben Adhem Shrine of Joplin. Robert loved children. Playing Santa at the library and having his picture taken with the children was the highlight of his year. When the COVID pandemic made it where he could no longer do that, he missed it greatly. After the pandemic, his health was such that he was never able to play Santa at the library again. In his spare time, Robert enjoyed music, reading, and collecting gadgets. Robert passed away Monday, June 16, 2025, in his home having attained the age of 84 years, 8 months, and 8 days. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Robert leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Susan Hooper of the home; two children: Robert Brian Hooper of the home and Cassandra Hooper (Dan) of Warrensburg, MO; three grandchildren: Jaimethon Tittes, Aurora Stoll and Darius Stoll; one brother: Douglas Hooper of Salt Lake City, UT; sister-in-law: Janelle Hooper of Puyallup, WA; other relatives and friends. Even though he is gone from our sight, Robert’s love for his community, children, and his family will live on in our hearts forever. Masonic and Order of the Eastern Star Services were held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Susan, Robert's wife, recalled her wonderful memories of Robert and the songs "I Did It My Way" by Frank Sinatra, "West End Blues" by Louis Armstrong, and "Rhapsody in Blue" by Gershwin were played. Graveside services with military honors were held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri with military honors being provided by the United States Army of Fort Leoanrd Wood, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of SFC (Ret) Robert Hooper to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or to RiteCare for Children and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

SFC (Ret) Robert Edward Hooper

October 8, 1940 - June 16, 2025