Willard "Will" Nathan Nopper, beloved husband, father, grandfather, passed away peacefully Friday morning July 1, 2016 in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 78.

Will was born October 22, 1937 in Dunkirk, New York to Willard Nelson Nopper and Isabelle Grace (Litz) Nopper. After graduating from Dunkirk High School in 1956, he attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois where he was a member of the Triangle Fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree in 1961. He later earned his MBA from Baldwin Wallace University in 1975.

Upon graduation from Northwestern, he married his college sweetheart Mary Ellen Cook, and began working for an engineering consulting firm in Williamsville, New York.  He enlisted in the New York Army National Guard, serving from 1961 to 1966 in the Army Corp of Engineers.  In 1964, Will and Mary Ellen relocated to Berea, Ohio where Will joined the Loren Cook Company and spent the majority of his career managing the engineering department as Vice President and Director of Engineering. In 1975 he was transferred to Springfield, Missouri where he designed the company's present day air lab.

Will was distinguished in his career as a licensed Professional Engineer and was involved in several organizations.  He was the founding president of the Springfield chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). He was also an active member of Rotary Club for 50 years (1969 – 2014) serving as president of the Berea, Ohio chapter, and joined the Southeast Rotary Club of Springfield, Missouri in 1975. In addition to his professional interests, Will had a passion for music and played his guitar in a Dixieland band for many years.

A devoted Christian, Will was a charter member of Heritage Congregational Church in Berea, Ohio, and served as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, and pastoral call chairman. He joined University Heights Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri in 1976 where he was ordained as a deacon and served on the Board of Trustees.  Will was also a member of the Gideons for several years.

Although Will was a Type 1 diabetic for nearly 51 years he never complained. He called it a "medical inconvenience" and tried to inspire other diabetics to maintain good blood sugar control and live life to the fullest. His endocrinologist called him his "Poster Boy" patient.

Will was a loving, devoted husband of nearly 54 years, a proud father, and joyful grandfather. He will be remembered for his faith, caring and gentle spirit, generosity, quick wit, discipline, healthy lifestyle, and twinkle in his eye.

Will is survived by his wife Mary Ellen Nopper; daughter, Dr. Amy Jo Nopper-Roberts (Erik) of Leawood Kansas; Son Willard Andrew Nopper (Kim) of Lucas, Texas; grandchildren, Willard Andrew Nopper, Jr, Benjamin James Nopper, and Sophia Noelle Roberts; sister Beverly Nopper Meer (Dick); and his nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service celebrating Will's life will be held Saturday, July 9 at 11:00am at University Heights Baptist Church, 1010 South National Ave, Springfield, Missouri under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Luncheon and visitation will be held in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the ceremony for everyone attending.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the University Heights Foundation, 1010 S National Ave, Springfield Mo 65804, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, (JDRF), 26 Broadway 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004.