William C. "Coach" Hopper

William C. “Coach” Hopper, age 88, of Leawood, KS passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Sunrise of Leawood. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am on Friday, November 4th at The Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, KS. Visitation will be 6-8 pm on Thursday, November 3rd at the McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS with the Rosary recitation at 6 pm. Private Inurnment. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The ALS Association Keith Worthington Chapter, 6950 Squibb Road, Ste. 210, Mission, KS 66202.

Chuck was born on December 8, 1927 in Salida, CO to William and Louise Hopper. He grew up in Superior, WI and moved to Kansas City as a young teen and attended Rockhurst High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Helen during his time in the service. Upon returning from Korea, he attended Northwest Missouri State and received his Master's in education. He accepted his first teaching and coaching position in Wea, KS. After moving to Raytown, MO, he taught and coached at St. Mary’s High School for 13 years. He also was the director of the summer recreation program for the City of Raytown. In 1969, Chuck became the Head coach at De La Salle High School, in Kansas City, where the Titans won the State Title in 1969. Upon the closing of De La Salle, he became the Principal of St. Peter and Paul grade and high school in Seneca, KS. In 1974 he returned to St. Mary’s, the school he truly loved, to become the Principal. In 1980, Chuck returned to teach and coach at Truman High School in Independence. Retiring in 1995, he concluded a career in education that spanned over 40 years.

Chuck was involved in many volunteer positions in his retirement including the Duchesne Center, his Nativity parish in Independence, St. Joseph Health Center, and the food pantry at Raytown Christian Church. He had a love for the game of golf and played until he wasn't physically able. He was an artist and a craftsman with wood, making gifts for friends and family. He had a great love for his family and leaves a legacy of living a good life and being generous to others.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Helen and his brother, Tom. Survivors include his wife, Flossie Roseberry Hopper; children, Janet Kast (Kevin), Geri Stewart (Dennis), Bill Hopper (Sun) and Teresa Reilly (Sean); 13 grandchildren, Chang and Mina Hopper; Paul, Dan & Alicia Scott, Joe & Elizabeth Kast; Sada Stegemeier; Emily Hellebusch; Brendan, Quinn, Molly & Moira Reilly, and 6 great grandchildren, MacKenzie & Cameron McCluer, Kirsten, Tori, Ava & Rockwell Scott. Condolences may be left online at www.mcgilleyhoge.com. Arrangements by, McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS 66204. (913) 642-3565. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.