Danny Jay Hopper

Danny Jay Hopper, 79, passed away peacefully in Marshfield, Missouri at Webco Manor rehabilitation and nursing facility on May 13, 2024. Danny was born April 27, 1945, in Dyer, Tennessee, the son of Thomas J.L and Bobbie Dotson Hopper. Danny went to school in Rutherford, Tennessee and entered the Navy in 1962 before graduating.  Danny spent most of his life as either an active duty member of the Navy or Navy Reserves, but was particularly proud of his time as a Seabee in the Navy’s construction battalion.  “We Build, We Fight.”  He had many other careers including long-haul truck driver, heavy equipment operator, lawn service owner, cattleman and farmer.  

Danny was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother Mike Hopper. Surviving family includes his daughter, Dana Penn of Dyer, Tennessee; son and daughter-in-law Philip and Jessie Hopper of Springfield, Missouri; son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Ann Hopper of Lebanon, Missouri; sister Doris Hopper of Gulfport, Mississippi; brother and sister-in-law Jimmy and Betty Hopper of Rutherford, Tennessee; grandchildren, Jaycee Hopper, Henry Hopper, George Hopper, Joni Hopper, John Henson, Jessica Shepherd, and Jeremiah Fincher; and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. Danny spent most of his life in Rutherford, Tennessee and Nixa, Missouri, where he made countless dear friends, neighbors, and acquaintances he leaves behind.

Danny loved his family and was especially proud of his kids and grandkids.  He surrounded himself with pictures of them and the rest of his relatives in all of his homes.  Danny was a great friend and neighbor, always willing to sit and chat on a porch a good while.  He was born into hard-working farming and military family, and was proud of their service to this country.  He had a great love for working outdoors, often raising cattle and always having a large garden.  Most of all, Danny was a good-spirited man.  He made quick friends that often developed into long-lasting bonds.  He will be missed greatly by all those who knew and loved him.