William "Henry" Hooper

Lifelong local resident William “Henry” Hooper, 85, of Castle Rock passed away Dec. 26, 2021.

William was born Feb. 16, 1936, in Longview to Samuel Lee and Tennie (Jackson) Hooper. He was a member of the R. A. Long High School wrestling team and graduated with the class of 1954. He also attended Lower Columbia College. William’s first job was as a school bus driver, but he retired from Weyerhaeuser after 40 years of service.

He served in the Army Reserves (National Guard) as a PFC E-3, earning a Marksman Badge (bar pistol, Cal. 0.45) and served three years as a tank loader (1956-1959) before being honorably discharged.

He was a member of the Longview Eagles, Longview Elks, and the Kelso, Longview and Cowlitz boxing clubs. He was a boxing coach, a rock hound and an antique collector, especially of Depression and Carnival glass, and NASCAR memorabilia. William was a NASCAR fan, and numerous racetracks became travel destinations. He rode in the STP (Seattle to Portland) bike race and the Rotary Club’s Tour de Blast.

William was a supportive father and grandfather. He attended all of his children’s and grandchildren’s events, and particularly loved the baseball games. He also loved playing pinochle with friends. William was stubborn, but usually because he didn’t want to be a burden.

He is survived by a daughter, Serina Sheek; two sons, Doug Jacobs and Kelly Hooper; a sister, Sharron Stertz; and his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A son, Jeff Jacobs, preceded him in death.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Jan. 15 at Columbia Heights Assembly of God with Pastor Kent Doehne officiating.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care provided William by the Villager Inn Retirement Center. Contributions in William’s memory may be made to the Villager Inn Entertainment Fund, P.O. Box 98, Castle Rock, WA 98611.

Final arrangements were entrusted to Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park.