Lester 'Gene' Hooper

Lester "Gene" Hooper, 86, of Danville, was called home to heaven on February 9, 2021 at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center surrounded by his family. Gene was born on August 16, 1934 in Dover, Tennessee to Jim and Ethel Hooper. He married Betty Louise Blue on May 7, 1960. She preceded him in death. Gene spent his early years in Clinton, KY before moving to Detroit, MI and then settling in Tilton, IL. He retired from Consumers Illinois Water Company in 1992. Gene loved music and as a self-taught guitarist, he formed the band "Gene Hooper and the Ramrods." The band performed locally and opened for other country artists when they toured through the area. Some of his highlights included recording an original 45 record with the songs "One of a Kind" and "Forever," and playing backup for Billie Jo Spears. In his later years, he performed in a gospel band, recorded a CD, and accompanied a quartet playing at churches and community events. Gene also served his community as a member and past President of the Tilton Lions Club, a member of the church board, and a District Representative for the Nazarene Church. He served on mission trips to Russia, Jordan, Israel, Bulgaria, Poland, Costa Rica, Belize, and to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. His other calling was Faith in Action, building access ramps for those in need. He loved his church and church family. Gene enjoyed life; he was a Red Vest Volunteer at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville. He loved to garden, fish, cook, enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, spent time with his friends, and loved to attend his grandchildrens sporting events. He is survived by his four children, Dana Spencer, Rob Hooper, both of Michigan, Steve (Joy) Hooper of Mokena, IL, and Missy (Kevin) Kotcher of Catlin, IL; his 13 grandchildren, Mark Spencer, Mike Spencer, Monica Christy, Josh Hooper, Jeremy Hooper, James Hooper, all of Michigan, Shelley Gosnell and Jennifer Sawyer of North Carolina, Alex Hooper of Lockport, IL, Derek Hooper of Coal City, IL, Daniel Bohnstengel of Orland Park, IL, Sarah Farns of Midlothian, IL, Carlie Hooper of Phoenix, AZ, and Nick Kotcher and Riley Kotcher of Catlin, IL. He is also survived by 18 great and great-great grandchildren and two sisters Beatrice Bone and Faye Barnett of Kentucky. Gene is proceeded in death by his parents, two brothers, four sisters, son-in-law Jim Spencer, stepson Doug Brown, and grandson Noah Kotcher. A celebration of Genes life will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, February 13, 2021, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Westville, Illinois 414 S State St. Westville, Illinois 61883 with Dave Anderson officiating. Visitation will be 4:00pm to 7:00pm, Friday, February 12, 2021 at the funeral home. It is kindly requested that face masks be worn, and social distancing is practiced by those in attendance of the visitation and or service. He will be laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery, Danville. Memorial donations First Church of the Nazarene in Danville or donors choice of charity. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos, & videos through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.