POPLAR BLUFF -- Paul Wade Hampton, 79, of Poplar Bluff died Sunday, April 18, 1999, at his home.

He was born Jan. 12, 1920, at Poplar Bluff, son of Daniel Paul and Zettie Rushin Hampton. He and Opal Fuson were married Feb. 10, 1941, in Poplar Bluff.

Hampton was assistant manager at Pepsi Cola, retiring in February 1984. He was a member of Senior Citizen's Gospel Choir, and attended Third Baptist Church.

He was a veteran of World War II.

Survivors include his wife; a son and daughter-in-law, Louie and Madelyn Hampton of Farmington; two daughters and sons-in-law, Carol and Richard Hoppe of Florissant, Paulette and Steve Darlin of Poplar Bluff; and a brother, Ray Hampton of Lancaster, Texas.

Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Teresa Connell of Cape Girardeau, Cindy Hampton of Crystal City, Brian Hoppe of New Milford, N.J., Darin and Jason Hoppe of Florissant, Kevin Darlin and Kim Glick of Poplar Bluff; and six great-grandchildren, Colleen Crader, Shelby and Joseph Darlin, Taylor and August Connell, and Ethan Glick.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Diana Hampton Crader; a sister, Dorothy Brown; two brothers, Jack and Jim Hampton.

Friends may call at Cotrell Funeral Home after 7 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ralph Mayes and the Rev. Karl Kline officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society.