Berle Hopper

MORLEY, Mo. -- Berle Hopper's life came to a heartbreaking end at his home Tuesday, April 20, 2020, in Morley, and he was buried in New Morley Cemetery.

Berle and his twin brother, Merle, were born April 28, 1944, in Savannah, Tennessee, to the late William "Pugh" and Lillie Mae Hopper, but Berle lived most of his life in Morley. He graduated high school in Zalma, Missouri, in 1963.

On Dec. 21, 1963, he married Carolyn Jo Harless, and they shared 37 years, until her death in 2001. He married Shirley Estes Howard on April 18, 2008, and she survives.

Berle was a hard worker until 1985, when an explosion at Hutter Oil Co. in Sikeston, Missouri, ended his working career. He loved to fish and play pool, and was very good at both. He even learned how to golf. He loved driving his Ford Mustang while listening to his idol, Elvis Presley.

Berle had three daughters, Regina (Jon) Bich of Spokane, Washington, and Leslie (Avery) Gardner and Lily (Josh) Rutz, both of Festus, Missouri. He was blessed with eight grandchildren, Justin, Brandon and Jesse Bich, Dusty Hicks and Jason Hopper and Avery II "Bubba," Aaliyah and Aveon Gardner; and five great-grandchildren, Haylee Hicks, Naomi, Kairi, Nolan and Everly Bich. He had two stepchildren, Sherry Salois and Doug Howard; and two stepgrandchildren, Alexander and Dylan.

Berle is survived by his brothers, James Hopper of Sikeston and Merle (Verneda) Hopper of Oran, Missouri; sisters, Margaret Masters of Oran and Mable Armstrong of Sikeston; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lillie Hopper; wife, Carolyn Hopper; and brothers, Junior Hopper and Bo Deshazier.

His daughters will host a celebration of life with his family and friends once the gathering ban is lifted.

He was well loved by all who knew him.