Gilbert L. Hooper, Sr.

Gilbert L. Hooper, Sr., 84, of Chanute, Kansas passed away Saturday, August 23, 2014, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, Chanute. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday, August 29, 2014 at Peoria Cemetery, east of Ottawa. Military honors by Whiteman Air Force Base. Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Hooper from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Gilbert was born Thursday, March 13, 1930, in Wilson, Kansas, the son of Harry and Georgia (Stehno) Hooper. He lived in Topeka, Kansas for many years. From 1991 to 2009 Gilbert and Ila were snowbirds traveling each fall to Donna, Texas. In 2009, Gilbert moved to Chanute where he lived the remainder of his life. He graduated from Melvern High School with the class of 1949. Gilbert was united in marriage with Ila M. Taylor February 10, 1952, in Ottawa. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his four children, Diane Riebel and husband Marvin of Chanute, Deborah Ashmore and husband Henry of Topeka, Karen Bartlett and husband Brad Sr., also of Topeka, and Gilbert L. Hooper, Jr. and wife Debbie of Wichita; many grandchildren; great grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren; and brother, Dwayne Hooper, Sr. and wife Shirley of Ottawa. He was preceded in death by his twin daughters, Marsha K. and Marilyn Rae Hooper; his parents; and sister, Jean Blecha. Gilbert was a Vietnam and Korean War veteran with twenty years of service to his country. He was an aircraft maintenance technician in the United States Air Force. He retired in 1970, receiving numerous medals and citations, obtaining the rank of Technical Sergeant. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 15017; and a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger years. The family suggests memorial contributions to American Legion Post 170, Chanute, Kansas c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.