Fred Leon Hooper, Jr.

Fred Leon "Mink" Hooper Jr. was born April 25th, 1927 in Sanbornton, NH. He passed peacefully in the early hours of October 4th 2017 at his home in Hill, NH surrounded by his loving family. He lived in Hill Village for over 65 years with his beautiful bride of 56 years, Irene Griffin Hooper who preceded him in passing in July of 2005. Upon finishing high school, Fred enlisted in the United States Navy in September of 1944 during the height of the U.S. involvement in World War II. After the completion of boot camp and Machinist's Mate training, he became a member of the elite Navy SeaBees. During his arduous tour overseas, he played a vital role in key battles that tipped the scales of this conflict in favor of the U.S. and our allies. Highlights include serving in the battalion that rebuilt the airstrip and barracks on the island of Iwo Jima (that are still in use today by the U.S. Navy) and the battle of Okinawa also known as Operation Iceberg. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in May of 1946, Fred used the same work ethic and motivation to successfully navigate a long and proud life in the work force and service to his communities. He worked for the Ed Crutch Factory for 6 years, Franklin's Versa Leather Company for 20 years and Webster Valve for 20 years. Fred was also the Hill Fire Dept. Chief for 12 years and a State Forest Fire Warden for 25 years. He was an avid active participant of the American Legion and a lifelong member of the VFW. He was a passionate outdoorsmen who enjoyed hunting and fishing year round with his scores of friends from all over the state being particularly renowned for breeding and raising the absolute best hunting beagles New England has ever heard howling through it's beautiful landscape alongside his close friend Phil Reynolds. Fred is survived by his loving family, only son Fred Leon Hooper III and his wife Lesora Hooper; granddaughter Jenles Hooper Thompson with her husband Fred Thompson and their children Stacia, Cody, Miles and Mason; granddaughter Kara Hooper Lancaster with her husband Evan Lancaster and their children Brittany, Adam and Emilee; grandson Louis "Chip" Hooper and his wife Samantha with their children Justin, Joshua, Raymond, Louis Jr. and Charlie; granddaughter Annie Hooper and children Justice, Joseph, Jeremiah, Jayden and Journee; granddaughter Michelle Hooper Hines with her husband Neal Hines and their children Destinee, Neal Jr., Malayla and Bella. He is also survived by his sister Grace Dorval and sister Margaret Bucklin of Alexander, NH and her grandson Jamieson Dodge (Fred's dedicated handyman and nephew), and his precious God daughter Gail Bean of Hill, NH. Fred was preceded by his parents Fred L. Hooper Sr. and Ida Woodard Hooper of Sanbornton, NH; sisters Marion Wilson, Clara Kidder, Lucie Brown and his only Brother and fellow veteran Arthur Hooper. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017 from 5-8 pm at Thibault-Neun Funeral Home, 143 Franklin St., Franklin. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at 10 am with burial following in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hill. In lieu of flowers and cards, Fred requests a small donation to his VFW post 1698 in Franklin, NH as one last tribute to an organization and group of veterans that he held so near and dear to his endlessly loving heart. For a virtual guestbook, please visit www.neunfuneralhomes.com

Fred Leon Hooper, Jr.

April 25, 1927 - October 4, 2017