Observer-Reporter – Washington, PA

WALTER HAROLD HOPPER - Air Force pilot, retiree was WWII veteran

Walter Harold “Skip” Hopper died Wednesday, January 16, 2008, in Greenville, S.C. He was born April 20, 1922 in Canonsburg. Mr. Hopper was a gentle man with a distinguished record of service to his country. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force after an exciting 23-year career as a pilot who traveled the world. He flew B-24 bombers during World War II with the 375th Bomb Squadron in China-Burma-India Theater, which was assigned to 308th Bombardment Group. After the war, he served as a pilot in the Berlin Airlift and as a test pilot. Upon retirement from the Air Force, he worked in the aircraft industry for Ling-Tempco-Vaught, located in Donaldsen Center.

He had a heart of gold, a quick wit, a ready smile and a story for all who would listen. Mr. Hopper loved a good cigar, a good story, his family, his dog, Freebie, and his Plymouth Barracuda. He touched many lives and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving is a large and loving family, including his wife, India P. Hopper of Greenville; daughter Susan Hopper Foster and husband Jim and son Sam Hopper, all of Greenville; a son, Lin Hopper of Clifton, Texas; stepdaughters Sheryl Penny and Kathie Kulikowski; grandchildren Nate Hopper, Katie Jackson, Ashley F. Kirkpatrick, Sam and Ben Foster; great-grandchildren Kailyn, Abbie and Jacob Hopper, Will Jackson, Trey and Mason Kirkpatrick; nephews Jeffrey Hopper and David Hoon; nieces Mary Jane Hopper Podboy, Sallie Hopper, Jackie Hoon Hnat, and locally, Donna Hoon Reynolds of Canonsburg. Deceased is his wife, Enid Redman Hopper; a stepson, Gary Kulikowski; and a brother, Jack Hopper. Memorials may be made to Greenville Humane Society or to Open Arms McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville, S.C