Jerry Van Hopper

b. August 11, 1931 Oklahoma
d. January 25, 2025 Sierra Vista, Arizona

 Jerry was born in Oklahoma, and when he was less than ten, during the dust bowl years, his family moved to California and became fruit ranch laborers. According to his son, Jerry felt the term "Okie" was a badge of honor.

 In 1953 he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War; he also served in Vietnam, including during the Tet offensive. During his long military career he received many awards including a Bronze Star.

 He met his wife Connie in 1956 at the old roller rink in Sierra Vista; they were married in 1957.

 After his retirement from the Army in 1973, Jerry began a new career as a civil servant on Ft. Huachuca from which he retired in 1993. He then was on the Whetstone Fire department board and was instrumental in the growth and stability of that organization. One of his favorite things to do was coaching Little League at Whetstone Little League in the 70's and 80's; many of the kids saw him as one of the best coaches they ever had. He loved fishing in Patagonia lake and in Mexico hanging with his buddies. There are plenty of pictures hanging in Sunny's restaurant in Huachuca City of their adventures and fish stories.

  For a number of years, Jerry served as Treasurer of the Black Oak Cemetery Association.

 At his death, Jerry was survived by his wife of 68 years, Connie; son Jimmy Hopper( Maggie) of Florence AZ; grandkids Ryan, Brandon, Jimmy Jr, Mika, Tesla, Marsha, Justin, and Erica; his sister Jonni Lee and, brother Doyle Hopper of Vacaville. CA; his sister in-law Judy Heath of Cottonwood, AZ; eleven greatgrandkids and numerous nieces and nephews. His daughter Cynthia, and son Jerry (Dewgy) Hopper, his Mother Vicie Hopper father Ralph Hopper, and his siblings Deon, Billy, Jim, Judy, Vickie, Joanne, and Jack all preceded him in death.

Edited from obituary written by Jimmy Hopper.

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