I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me though he may die, he shall live...and shall never die - John 11:25-26. Born July 11, 1941 in Baton Rouge and a long time resident, John was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and compassionate physician. John was passionate about medicine early in life. He was a graduate of University High, Louisiana State University, and LSU Medical School. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity where he served as President and was a member of Omicron Delta as well as ROTC. John met the love of his life, Kay Cooper while in medical school and they married in June 1966. He completed his internship and residency at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital at which time their children were born. They then moved to San Antonio where he completed his fellowship at Brooke Army Hospital before moving to Fort Brag Army Hospital where he served as Chief of the Department of Medicine earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Upon completion of his military service, the family moved back to Baton Rouge. He began his practice at The Internal Medicine Clinic before opening Gastroenterology Associates with Drs. Kerry Howell and Barry Scott. He was instrumental in opening the first endoscopy center in Baton Rouge. He was a member of the American and East Baton Rouge Parish Medical Societies and served on the boards of Bayou Federal Credit Union and Baton Rouge General Hospital. He also volunteered at the school based clinic at Westdale Middle School. Upon his retirement from practice, he served as a Medical Director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. He loved the practice of medicine and caring for patients. Love of family and the Lord were integral in his life. He enjoyed vacationing with his family, beaches, skiing, family dinners and especially time in the mountains with his grandchildren. Throughout his life, he was active in his faith at Trinity Episcopal, First United Methodist, and First Evangelical Presbyterian. He served his congregations as usher, Senior Warden, Administrative Board, participating in bible study, Covenant group, and mentoring ministries. He loved participating in medical mission trips to Mexico and loved his medical mission trip with his wife to an orphanage in Vietnam. John was preceded in death by his parents Catherine and John Hoppe. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kay, his children Scott Hoppe (Michelle) and Laura Smyer (Joel), his grandchildren Kayleigh Hoppe, Michael Hoppe, Will Musgrove, Chloe Musgrove, Christopher Musgrove and Benton Musgrove, his sister Sue Lapinski, as well as his nieces and nephews Dawn Jones, Paige Hulsey, Katheryn Band, and John Yerger. We would like to thank the staff at Landmark Skilled Nursing and the ICU nurses at Baton Rouge General for their compassionate care. We are so thankful for our wonderful sitters Wanza Bell, Cynthia Veal, and especially Andrea Parker. Visiting will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge Saturday July 8 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm with services held at 2:00 pm and burial to follow at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Presbyterian Church or Asbury Theological Seminary.
