Brig.
Brig. Gen. Ronald A. Hoppes, Usa (Ret)
Brigadier General Ronald Alvin Hoppes, USA Retired, 81, of Sedalia, passed away on the morning of Thursday, January 2, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his family.
He was born August 15, 1938 in Parkerville, KS, the only child of Alvin Elmore and Vera Opal (Shaw) Hoppes.
On January 31, 1960 in Sedalia, he was united in marriage to Laura Lee (Young) and they would become the parents of four daughters.
Ronald was a 1956 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School. At age 17, he entered the United States Marine Corps and served for three years as a radar and missile technician. After the Marine Corps he enrolled in Central Missouri State University, where he received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Aviation.
While in the Army National Guard, Ronald attended more than 15 training schools, including Officer Candidate School. Through study and hard work, Ronald moved through the ranks to become Brigadier General. He served as battalion commander for the Air Defense Program, as unit commander, artillery officer, artillery battalion commander and brigade commander of the 135
th
Field Artillery Brigade in Sedalia among others. As assistant Adjutant General, Ronald was instrumental in establishing the Missouri National Guard Military Honors Program as well as funding for the current armory in Sedalia. He retired in 1998, after 42 years and six months of service. According to Ronald, the military was “…a way of life, and it’s not just a job.” He felt “driven by a greater purpose than just a paycheck.”
Outside of his military career, aviation was a clear passion of his. He could fly practically any non-commercial aircraft including helicopters. He shared his love of flying, teaching private lessons and classes at State Fair Community College. He and Laura also had an aerial photography business, which they called Via Alta Foto.
Ronald also had a love for music and even contemplated becoming a musician for a living. In high school, he had his own country swing band.
Other hobbies included fishing, bird hunting, raising bird dogs, horseback riding, studying military history, genealogy, taking family vacations, and enjoying the everchanging world of digital technology. After retirement, Ronald and Laura enjoyed years of traveling. Through their travels, they made many close friends across the country.
Ronald was very much a family man. His family meant everything to him. He sacrificed career moves and endured extended work commutes in order to raise his family on the homestead he established with Laura and his parents; allowing his daughters to remain at the same school throughout their education. He was blessed to have them settle their families near home and have the opportunity to watch his grandchildren grow up.
Ronald was kindhearted and very caring. He was a patriotic and honorable man, very committed to his country and career.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, Laura, survivors include three daughters, Angela DeHaven (Bob), Shawna Kratzer (Chuck Jr.), and Tammy Homan (Mark), all of Sedalia; six grandchildren, Tayler Kratzer (Sarah), Beau Kratzer (Avery), Annie Pulliam (Aleks), Lynnie DeHaven, Brendon Homan and Caden Homan; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant daughter, Kimberly Kay Hoppes.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Heckart Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mr. Turf Martin, Ron’s cousin who was like a brother, and Rev. Bill Boatman officiating.
Casket bearers will be Colonel Don Carter, USA Retired, Colonel Bill Stucker, USA Retired, Lieutenant Colonel John Schrimpf, USA Retired, Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Welch, Brigadier General (MO) Dennis Shull, USA Retired, and Sergeant Major Ron Hellesvig, USA Retired, all comrades of Ron’s.
Honorary bearers will be Joe Bode, David Curry, Bill Fuller, Jim Fulwider, Turf Martin, Don Ressel, John Walch, Dale Yelton, and Drew Zink.
Burial will be in Highland Sacred Gardens, with full military honors by the United States Army National Guard.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Heckart Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorial contributions to a charity near and dear to the donor’s heart.
He was born August 15, 1938 in Parkerville, KS, the only child of Alvin Elmore and Vera Opal (Shaw) Hoppes.
On January 31, 1960 in Sedalia, he was united in marriage to Laura Lee (Young) and they would become the parents of four daughters.
Ronald was a 1956 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School. At age 17, he entered the United States Marine Corps and served for three years as a radar and missile technician. After the Marine Corps he enrolled in Central Missouri State University, where he received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Aviation.
While in the Army National Guard, Ronald attended more than 15 training schools, including Officer Candidate School. Through study and hard work, Ronald moved through the ranks to become Brigadier General. He served as battalion commander for the Air Defense Program, as unit commander, artillery officer, artillery battalion commander and brigade commander of the 135
th
Field Artillery Brigade in Sedalia among others. As assistant Adjutant General, Ronald was instrumental in establishing the Missouri National Guard Military Honors Program as well as funding for the current armory in Sedalia. He retired in 1998, after 42 years and six months of service. According to Ronald, the military was “…a way of life, and it’s not just a job.” He felt “driven by a greater purpose than just a paycheck.”
Outside of his military career, aviation was a clear passion of his. He could fly practically any non-commercial aircraft including helicopters. He shared his love of flying, teaching private lessons and classes at State Fair Community College. He and Laura also had an aerial photography business, which they called Via Alta Foto.
Ronald also had a love for music and even contemplated becoming a musician for a living. In high school, he had his own country swing band.
Other hobbies included fishing, bird hunting, raising bird dogs, horseback riding, studying military history, genealogy, taking family vacations, and enjoying the everchanging world of digital technology. After retirement, Ronald and Laura enjoyed years of traveling. Through their travels, they made many close friends across the country.
Ronald was very much a family man. His family meant everything to him. He sacrificed career moves and endured extended work commutes in order to raise his family on the homestead he established with Laura and his parents; allowing his daughters to remain at the same school throughout their education. He was blessed to have them settle their families near home and have the opportunity to watch his grandchildren grow up.
Ronald was kindhearted and very caring. He was a patriotic and honorable man, very committed to his country and career.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, Laura, survivors include three daughters, Angela DeHaven (Bob), Shawna Kratzer (Chuck Jr.), and Tammy Homan (Mark), all of Sedalia; six grandchildren, Tayler Kratzer (Sarah), Beau Kratzer (Avery), Annie Pulliam (Aleks), Lynnie DeHaven, Brendon Homan and Caden Homan; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant daughter, Kimberly Kay Hoppes.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Heckart Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mr. Turf Martin, Ron’s cousin who was like a brother, and Rev. Bill Boatman officiating.
Casket bearers will be Colonel Don Carter, USA Retired, Colonel Bill Stucker, USA Retired, Lieutenant Colonel John Schrimpf, USA Retired, Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Welch, Brigadier General (MO) Dennis Shull, USA Retired, and Sergeant Major Ron Hellesvig, USA Retired, all comrades of Ron’s.
Honorary bearers will be Joe Bode, David Curry, Bill Fuller, Jim Fulwider, Turf Martin, Don Ressel, John Walch, Dale Yelton, and Drew Zink.
Burial will be in Highland Sacred Gardens, with full military honors by the United States Army National Guard.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Heckart Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorial contributions to a charity near and dear to the donor’s heart.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Brig. Gen. Ronald A. Hoppes, Usa (Ret), please visit our flower store.
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