A life-long resident of Springfield, Gary Don Hopper, born September 9, 1941, transitioned suddenly from this life on March 18 at age 76.

Don was the only child of Ralph and Helen Hopper. After graduating from SMSU, Don served in the US Army. He built his career on the sale, construction and development of real estate.  Even in retirement, Don was a man who lived life to the fullest. His day often began by having coffee with his breakfast group, followed by 18 holes of golf at Highland Springs, lunch at Turners Station, an afternoon mowing and maintaining Windsmore, a short power nap before happy hour, prior to meeting good friends for dinner and a competitive game of Canasta. Don loved his St. Louis Cardinals, football, basketball, hunting and fishing trips with the guys, and planning his next adventure with Sandy.  Don made friends wherever he went; he knew no stranger, befriending so many. His abundant energy and strength of character served as an example to all. Don served as president of the Springfield Home Builders Association, Don Hopper Building Company, and Mark of Design. He was passionately committed to the Highland Springs Board of Directors for many years.

The trees he planted are living reminders to his beloved survivors: wife Sandy, son Kevin Hopper and Kathy, daughter Kristi Martin and David, son Justin Hopper and Sarah. Stepchildren Carmen Leahy and Jim, Mark Walker and Erica, Ryan Walker and Adriene. "Pops" will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Seth, Olivia, Ian, Matthew, Hannah, Rais, Logan, Sequoia, Rielyn, Finn, Max, and Madelyn.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 22 from 6-8 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Friday, March 23 at 10 AM, with burial at Maple Park Cemetery following.

The "Don Hopper House" will be built at the Eden Village of the Gathering Tree.  Donations for this memorial can be made at www.gatheringtree.org/donate-now or at the Eden Village, PO Box 2364, 65801.