Ernest Hooper

A native of Reese River, Nevada, Ernest died on Monday, October 30, 2023 at Banner Churchill Community Hospital in Fallon, Nevada at the age of 93. Raised in Reese River as a young man working at local ranches, he attended school in Ione, Nevada until he turned fourteen, to which he attended Churchill public school for two years, and then graduated from the Stewart Indian School in Carson City in 1949. Ernest attended Peirce Jr. College and Cal Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA until he was drafted into the United States Army on May 22, 1951 where he received military training at Fort Ord, California.

Ernest was sent overseas during the Korean conflict. He received an honorable discharge as Sergeant Ernest Hooper on February 21, 1953.

During his time in the Army, Sgt. Ernest Hooper received a combat infantry badge, a Bronze Star medal, a Purple Heart medal, UN Service medal, Korean Service medal and w/2 Bz Service stars. His most significant duty assignment was Hq & Hq Btry 1st FA Battalion.

Rev. Ernest Hooper, an ordained minister of the Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection, attended Ministerial Institute in Hot Springs, South Dakota and graduated in 1965.

Upon returning to Fallon, Nevada, he worked on heavy equipment machinery. Ernest is preceded in death by his wife, Florence Frances, parents Art and Alice Hooper, five brothers, Owen, Gene, Homer, Levi and Hugh, four sisters, Orva George, Verna Brady, Ophelia Austin, and Lucille George, one daughter, Althea, and two sons, Robert and Merle. He is survived by his sons Bryan Hooper of Fallon, Nevada, Rev. Kenneth Hooper of Lolo, Montana, Clifton D. Hooper of Reese River, Nevada, and daughter Rebecca Chapin of Billings, Montana, and 14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Laura Saunders of Yerington, Nevada and Darlene Dewey of Reese River, Nevada, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.