Ernest Hopper

Ernest C. Hopper, 81, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, March 13, 2004, at his sister's home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born July 25, 1922, at Cape Girardeau, son of E. Frank and May Mullins Hopper. He and Dorothy Simmons were married in 1960. She died in 1994.

Hopper graduated from College High School in 1941 and moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1949. He owned a service station in Anchorage, worked for Alaska pipeline, was a civilian employee for the U.S. Air Force tracking station in Chiniak, Alaska, and then an owner of Road's End Restaurant and Bar in Chiniak.

Survivors include a son, Bob Simmons of Washington; three daughters, Cheryl Ingrim of Kodiak, Alaska, Cindy Mueller of Alaska, Donna Anderson of Texas; a brother, Harvey Hopper of Paducah, Ky.; five sisters, Cecile Watson of La Crescenta, Calif., Evelyn Cunningham, Bessie Johnson, Wanda Grim and Martha Bertrand, all of Cape Girardeau; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until the time of the service at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel.

Funeral will be at 5 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel, with the Rev. Janet Hopkins officiating.

Another service will take place at a later date in Chiniak, Alaska.