BILL HOPPER

BENTON, Mo. -- Joe Willard "Bill" Hopper, 85, of Benton died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born June 17, 1915, at Benton, son of Joel and Ersa Simmons Hopper.

Bill was an active farmer until the age of 72. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church in Benton, and of Eagles Aerie 3319 in Sikeston, Mo.

He entered the Civil Conservation Camp at the age of 18 and served the World War II effort at the Small Arms factory in St. Louis.

Survivors include a son, Larry Hopper; a daughter, Mary Beth McIntosh, both of Benton; a brother, Wilson Ervin of Jackson, Mo.; a sister, Flossie Kirsch of Benton; eight grandchildren, Lisa Wheetley, Jeff Hopper, Richard Alan McIntosh, Cathy Huber, Christy Kaufman, Harry Showmaker, Eric Showmaker, Melissa Showmaker; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Vickie Showmaker; a brother and three sisters.

Friends may call at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at the chapel. Officiants will be the Rev. Dale Huff and the Rev. Dennis Lowe. Burial will be in Unity Baptist Cemetery at Benton.