Arthur "Art" Hopper

Arthur “Art” West Hopper, Jr., 88, of Osceola, Indiana, passed away Monday morning, May 14, 2012, at the home of his daughter, Peggy, following a long illness.

Art was born September 16, 1923 in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Arthur West and Amy (Meeking) Hopper. He was a graduate of Washington High School in Washington, PA, and attended Washington and Jefferson College.

Art served his country in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a Glider Pilot participating in four combat missions. Art was one of the first successful pilots to land in France on D-Day with 22 men and a Jeep to take the hills over the beach from the German’s. He earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and received the European Theatre Ribbon with 5 battle stars, the Air Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, the Presidential Citation and the Bronze Arrow Head for invasion of Europe.

Art lived throughout the country during his life and moved to Osceola in 2007. He was employed with the Associates for 28 years where he was a Regional Manager. Art’s memberships included Queen of Peace Catholic Church, the Glider Pilots Association and the American Legion. He enjoyed golfing, tennis and playing cards.

Art married Mary Jean Richmond on September 20, 1948 and she preceded him in death in 2006. He was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Dennis Fletcher; a great grandson, Nathan White; a brother, Samuel Hopper; and a sister, Mary Newton.

Art’s surviving family includes his six children, Margaret “Peggy “ (James) Wood of Osceola, David Hopper of Virginia Beach, VA, Mary Patricia Fletcher of Charlotte, NC, Douglas (Alice) Hopper of Lawrenceville, GA, Kathryn (Greg) Dunkle of Fuquay-Varina, NC, and Elizabeth (Timothy) Williams of Charlotte, NC; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.

Private Catholic Prayer Services will be held with Rev. Daniel Scheidt officiating. Burial will take place at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Washington, PA.

Memorials are suggested to Queen of Peace Church or the Center for Hospice Care.

Arrangements are in the care of Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, Mishawaka.