Tommy Dee Hopper

Tommy Dee Hopper passed peacefully from this earth life on December 17, 2019 at 12:55 a.m. Tommy was born on February 16, 1948 to Reuben and Velma Hopper. He was their 12th child.

Growing up on the farm, Tommy had a few wild animals for pets...a hawk; a squirrel; and his favorite, a raccoon. The watermelon patch and corn fields were places Tom remembered fondly. Being the youngest child, Tom was not required to do daily chores...much to his brothers regret. 

In 1966 Tommy joined the National Guard. He did basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana and then later a Fort Hood. 

Tommy chose a career as a Certified State Welder. He was an artist and a perfectionist in all his welding projects. Tom built many barns, shops and corrals in the state of Oklahoma and some in Texas. He also welded on drilling rigs, did oilfield welding for Texaco, did refinery welding at numerous locations, and repaired farm machinery for local farmers. Tommy was a workaholic. He was always building something, if only in his mind! During his work career, Tom acquired many good friends. 

In March of 1976, Tommy married the love of his life- Carol Gaines. Together they enjoyed 45 years of fun; good times; family and friends and lots of love. 

Tom was a good cook. If he put it on the grill, everyone knew it was going to be "Yummy". 

Tommy enjoyed gardening; playing on his John Deere tractor; watching football, boxing, basketball and President Trump on TV. In Tom's younger years, favorites pastimes were playing pool; snooker; dominoes and poker. At every Hopper family gathering there was always a lively game of poker. This past year, Tom very much enjoyed Saturday night poker with old friends. 

Tom loved all animals, especially his many dogs through the years. Sam (Boston Terrier) has been Tom's constant companion for the past year. 

Tommy is survived by his wife, Carol, a brother- Ron Hopper, step daughter- Christel Bighorse, son-Roy Hopper & family, mother in-law- Dana Gaines, sister in-law- Cindy Gaines, brother in-law- Randy Gaines and family, and many nieces and nephews- too numerous to list. 

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents- Reuben and Velma Hopper; 2 sister- Wanda and Anna Lee; 6 brothers- R.H., Charlie, Randal (Red), Dean (Squirrely), Bob (Fodge), Bill and his father in-law- Jerry Gaines. 

Tommy had a quick wit, you never knew what he was going to say. He always made you smile. Tommy Dee Hopper will be missed by many!!

Memorial Services for Tom will be at 11:00am, Saturday, December 28, 2019 at the Methodist Church in Hominy, Oklahoma with Claudia Lovelace officiating. 

Powell Funeral Service has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be left in the guestbook at PowellFuneralService.com. 

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