BERTRAND, Mo. -- Jess Lee Hooper, 79, of Bertrand died Wednesday, April 10, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Mo.

He was born March 11, 1923, in Grayridge, Mo., son of Berry "Buck" and Rebecca Tate Hooper. He and Vivian Skelton were married June 1, 1946.

Hooper lived in Bertrand most of his life. He was a self-employed antique dealer many years, and worked at Bertrand Cotton Co. 25 years.

He served with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Cotten during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Robert Hooper of Bement, Mo.; a daughter, Sandra Evans of Sikeston; a sister, Florance Ferrell of Benton, Mo.; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Friends may call at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, Mo., from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jim Eskew officiating. Burial will be in Bluff Cemetery near Idalia, Mo.