Everett E. Hooper

Col. Everett E. Hooper, 79, died Tuesday, Dec 21, at Sanford Health Care Facility where he was recovering from a recent stroke. "Hoop", known as Sonny by family, was born in Springvale, Oct. 1, 1925 a son of Everett and Gladys (Dowey) Hooper. He attended Sanford High School and worked in the mills as a teenager. Everett joined the Navy in 1943 at the age of 17, serving his country in W.W. II on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific as a belly gunner. After the war, Everett returned to Maine to attend the University of Maine Orono where he graduated in 1951 with a business degree. His death was preceded by his first wife and the mother of his children, Edith V. Hooper, who died in 1986 of cancer. Everett was a highly decorated officer who served in the military for 34 years. During this time he earned two master's degrees in French and Foreign Affairs from the American University. He also graduated from the Army War College in Carlisle, PA. Col. Hooper was a battalion commander in Viet Nam where he formed a special combat unit known as the RATS. He also served as the military attache for the Army in Cameroon's, Africa where he lived with his family for two years. He retired as a full colonel in 1974. Mr. Hooper was a member of St. George's Episcopal Church where he served as an altar boy. He started the St. George's Hooper Scholarship for college freshmen. Mr. Hooper was active within the Sanford area including the American Legion, VFW, Elks, Masonic Lodge and the Lafayette Club. He was a also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Retired Officer's Association and the Non-Commissioned Officer's Club. Everett is survived by his wife Lucille (Belanger) Hooper of Sanford; his son, Gregory M. Hooper of Florida; his daughters, Cathy A. Larson of Shapleigh and Freda M. Ball of Newport, TN; his granddaughters, Edith Larson Gauthier of Orland, Fl; and Kristen Ball of Newport, TN; his grandsons, Eric T. Larson of Lyman; Steven Ball of Newport, TN; Isaac Hooper and Christopher Hooper both from Orland, FL; and great grandson, Noah Larson Gauthier of Orlando, FL.Mr. Hooper had two stepdaughters, Celia Dion Doucette of Lewiston and Jane Dion Weed of Falmouth and four step grandchildren. Another great grandchild is due to be born next summer.Everett returned to Maine after retiring from the Army and worked as the Code Enforcement Officer and volunteer fireman for Shapleigh. He was a true American hero and a unique individual who will be loved and missed by all who knew him. Calling hours will be Monday, Dec. 27th. From 6 - 8 pm at the Heald Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, Dec. 28th. At 11:00 am at St. George's Episcopal Church, with Rev. William Schuyler, officiating. Burial will be in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Memorial Fund for Everett E. Hooper, c/o St. George's Church, 3 Emerson St., Sanford, ME 04073.