Greg Hopper

On November 3, 2021, Stephen Gregory Hopper, 64, of Sedalia, MO, went to be with his Lord and Savior. He is now healed and basking in the love of God.

Greg was born in Sedalia on June 13, 1957, the son of Marvin Lloyd (ML) Hopper, who preceded him in death on April 17, 1987, and Mary Kathryn (Katy) Hopper, Sedalia.

He was united in marriage to Glenda Lee Scott on September 15, 1984. To this union were born two daughters: Sabrina Nicole (Hopper) Diaz on July 2, 1989, and Courtney Jeanelle (Hopper) Leach on May 18, 1992.

In addition to his wife, survivors include daughters and sons-in-laws Sabrina Nicole and Josh Diaz of Leawood, KS, and Courtney Jeanelle and Clint Leach of Kansas City, MO; one grandson, Kai Nico Diaz; mother Katy Hopper; mother-in-law Earlene Scott; two sisters, Susan Mitchell of Kansas City, MO, and Vicki Webb of Sedalia.

Greg graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in 1975 and State Fair Community College in 1977. He worked full-time while completing his degree from the University of Central Missouri, graduating in 2004.

In 1975, Greg began his career that spanned more than 41 years with WEB and Sons in Sedalia. He was hired as a cashier then promoted to assistant store manager/meat cutter and progressed to the organization’s general manager, where he was responsible for two grocery stores and approximately 140 employees. His influence extended beyond his employment to the relationships he built with customers and the community.

Combining his leadership expertise and passion for his community, Greg served on the Pettis County R-XII School District board for 15 years and was president six years. He was a member of and financial treasurer for the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce. He also was vice chairman for the Salvation Army’s advisory board of directors and was a member and past area chairman for Ducks Unlimited.

Greg was committed to Christ and had a heart willing to serve. He was active in church as a deacon, on the Finance Committee, and in other leadership roles. His heart for children led him to be a director for Upward Basketball. For many years, he and Glenda taught children’s Sunday School classes.

Greg was always excited and never dulled by God’s miracles of nature. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved seeking and watching God’s animals in their habitat—so much so that he stopped hunting with firearms and began hunting with a camera and binoculars instead.

As a hobby, Greg enjoyed various aspects of building, repairing, and renovating for his friends, church family, and others in need. He especially took pleasure in building his home with Glenda. He could build or repair just about anything.

Although not proficient and often comical, he loved golfing with all his friends, especially with his best buddies Steve, Kim, and Drew. They made many unforgettable memories together. Greg loved and lived life to the absolute fullest, cherishing people, love, and laughter. He is remembered as THE BEST husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He valued all these relationships.

He was absolutely THE BEST “girl” dad a girl could have. He adored and spoiled all three of his girls. His greatest love was his wife of 37 years, Glenda; his children Sabrina and Josh, Courtney and Clint; and his grandson Kai, whom he adored.

Reflecting on Greg’s life, his family shares: We feel truly blessed for the years and memories we all made together. We will miss him dearly. Those who have been supportive and by our side know how excruciatingly painful and difficult the last few years have been. We are all grateful and blessed to have you in our lives. Greg would be especially grateful to everyone for taking care of his girls.

Until we see you again, we will always love you.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 11, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church Celebration Center with Rev. Candace Fowler and Rev. Dr. Drew Hill officiating.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the Celebration Center.

In lieu of flowers and plants memorials may be made to Strong Tower Haiti Orphanage in care of First United Methodist Church, Sedalia.

Arrangements are in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.