Robert Lee Hooper III of Raymore, Missouri, was suddenly and unexpectedly called to his heavenly home on Thursday, December 31, 2020, 11:40pm at the age of 90. Robert was born to parents, Robert Lee Jr. and Helen (Hughes) in Fort Smith, Arkansas on November 24, 1930. He was the eldest of three children.
He graduated from Fort Smith Senior High School in 1947. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon returning to the states, he attended the University of California at Berkeley graduating with a master's degree in English. He then moved to Yuba City, California and taught English at Yuba Community college from 1964 until his retirement in 1993. He married Theora Jean (Stevens) in 1964. They welcomed their daughter, Jeanmarie, in 1968, and divorced in 1971.
In 1991, Robert became a grandfather for the first time. He soon became grandfather to seven more. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Robert loved to dance, play tennis, trapeze (until a rotator cuff injury permanently sidelined him at age 73), play chess, pickle-ball, camp, raft, paint, play the piano, act, and attend his grandchildren's sporting events. His love of learning was unquenchable. His giving heart knew no bounds. He would happily (and, quite literally) give you the shirt off his back.
A life-long atheist, he came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior five hours before his very unexpected and sudden passing.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Jr., his mother, Helen (Hughes), sister Jacqueline, brother James, and son-in-law, Raymond Ramos.
He's survived by his daughter, Jeanmarie Ramos Briggs, his son-in-law, Dean Briggs, grandchildren: Branden (Toni) Ramos, Alexa (Tanner) Smith, Chandler Ramos, Jacob Ramos, Hanson (Savannah) Briggs, Evan Briggs, Gatlin Briggs and Gage Briggs, and great-grandchildren: Sebastian Rayne Ramos (Branden & Toni) and Dane Elian Smith (Alexa & Tanner).
Services will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Higginsville, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 2:00pm.
Friend ,Chula vista ,California
Praise God that Mr. Hooper came to know Jesus, and that he was a wonderful servant to his family. Thank you for a life well lived.
Friend ,Portage ,Michigan
Dearest friend Jeanie. You’re daddy was such an amazing man, and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree❤️ How blessed this world was to have him for so many years! It was my good fortune to have had the chance to meet him once and to have known him through your posts-he was indeed the apple of your eye as well😉 All praise be to our Lord and Savior for his much celebrated and prayed for home going. Many hugs, Carla
Friend ,Belton ,Missouri
So sorry to hear of Bobs passing. I met him playing pickleball in Belton a few years ago. He was always a joy to talk too. He will be greatly missed.
Tennis friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri
I met Bob at Indian Creek tennis courts Overland Park Ks. in 2014. A welcoming man he was. And a very competitive player as well. Our playing days continued at Recreation Park in Raymore Mo. for a few more years. Always a delight to be around. He will truly be missed.
