Robert H. Hopper

A lover of life and a man devoted to his family and friends, Robert died in Chicago at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. At his request, he was cremated. He was 59 and a native of Hattiesburg, Miss. He was a resident of Iowa, La., and a veteran of the U.S. Army and then the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the 597 Chicago Local, where he was a certified welds inspector. Other than his family, his passions were golf and swimming. He was an avid news buff and he loved current affairs. He is survived by his wife, Selena Hopper; mother, Bobbie Paci; and children, Michael Hopper, Diana Hopper and Rachelle Hopper. He was blessed with a grandchild, Angelia Hopper. He had two sisters and their spouses, Virginia Clanton and Harry Clanton, of Baton Rouge, and Starr Holmes and Carrol Holmes, of Colyell; a stepsister and stepbrother, Norma "Boo" Holzhaur and John Patrick Hopper; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Johnny Hopper; and stepfather, Forrest Paci. The memorial service will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East on Wednesday, Nov. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. "Things are no substitute for peace with God and peace with yourself. Robert, may you rest in peace forever with the angels of the Lord." In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the American Heart Association.