Richard Darwin Hopper

March 17, 1953 - July 18, 2024

Richard Darwin Hopper (Ricky) was born March 17, 1953, in Houston, TX, to parents – Father: Irvin Washington Hopper and Mother: Norma Era Dunn Hopper. Richard passed away July 18, 2024, from liver cancer while in the Dallas FW VA Hospice Unit.

Rick graduated in the top ten of his class from Hudson High School, Lufkin, TX in 1971. He attended Texas A&M University Honors program from 1971-1974 majoring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Bio-Medical Science and graduated from Control Data Institute in 1982 with training in computer programming. He pursued continuous training via IBM, HP, Oracle, and Nortel he worked as a computer programmer for the rest of his career for Nortel Northern Telecom.


Rick proudly enlisted in the US Army and served from 1974-1977. He was honorably discharged as Specialist 4th Class.  He had received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, along with several commendations from the Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick, Maryland. He worked as a Laboratory Technician for Texas A&M University in the Food Protein R&D program. He was an Assistant Power Plant Operator for Louisiana Pacific Corporation, Lufkin, TX. He worked various places throughout his life as a Head Bartender and a Bar Manager.

Rick was a resident of Richardson, TX for 42 years. He enjoyed travelling with his companion, Janet and one of their favorite places to visit was Savannah, Georgia, though he visited places like Boston and Los Angeles as well. He also enjoyed swimming in his own pool, but also had fun at the beach and going on cruises. Rick liked listening to music and enjoyed attending concerts at the Dallas Symphony and Reunion Arena, seeing performers such as Van Halen, Bob Seger, Dan Fogelberg, ZZ Top and many more. He worked to pick up and play the guitar a little himself. He loved to read and had an eclectic library of sci-fi, drama and western novels. Rick was member of the Church of Christ and also had a wonderful smile and vivacious laugh that everyone loved. During his life, he was an outgoing person who visited Disney World, the World Cup, the Grand Ole Opry, the State Fair of Texas, the Aquarium of the Americas and attended a few hockey games. He was a big Dallas Cowboys fan and attended their games when he could.

Rick suffered a stroke in 2013 and from then, he enjoyed spending time at his home with Janet and his black cat, Guiness. He was able to live in his home independently for more than 11 years.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Janet Rutkowski, his parents, his brothers Max Hopper and Daniel Hopper and his sister, Nancy Doyle. He is survived by sisters-in-law, Jo Hopper of Dallas, TX and Julie Hopper of Harrisburg, PA, and many nieces and nephews.

Rick will be laid to rest in the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery  with Military Honors on
August 2, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, make donations to a charity of your choice by supporting veterans, stroke or cancer victims.