Thomas Earl Hooper, 93 of La Porte, Indiana passed away on April 16th, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loved ones at 11:32 AM CST. Tom was born on July 22nd, 1930, to the late Fred and Hazel (Cole) Hoopingarner in Terre Haute, Indiana, and was one of 9 children, all of whom preceded him in death. On Dec. 23rd, 1988, in Lincoln Nebraska, he married Eleanor M Hooper, who survives. Also surviving are sons Michael Hooper, and Bradford (Marie Jongkind) Hooper; both of Naples, Florida, and Eric (Danielle) Dolezal of LaPorte, Indiana. Also surviving are his cherished grandchildren Ethan, Eden, Ellery, and Bryson Dolezal.
Tom was a 1949 graduate of Elston High School. He then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his service to our country, Tom began his career with National Cash Register, and changed to education attending Indiana University earning a BS in business in 1957, a Masters in Education in 1963, and a Specialist in Education Degree in 1974. Tom was a teacher and principal from 1960-1997 for MCAS at Park, Joy, Edgewood, Niemann, and Pine Elementary Schools. He showed respect to each child and wanted them to be the “best they could be”. In 1983, he was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year by the Human Rights Commission. In 2011, he was presented with the “and then some Wall of Fame” Recognition for his 38 years in education.
He was an avid golfer and was a part of the Beechwood golf course league into his 90s. He was very active for most of his life and enjoyed walking his best dog companion, Hoosier, miles a day. Tom also enjoyed the lasting friendships he made being a long-time fraternity brother of Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity, Gamma Lambda Chapter, Michigan City, Indiana. He enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels, being a Rotary Club of Michigan City member, and Dunebrook board member. Tom also enjoyed volunteering at lunchtime with his grandchildren at Notre Dame School, in Michigan City, Indiana.
Tom lived a life full of travel, golfing, classic cars, boating on Hudson Lake, watching I.U. basketball, and spending time with his grandchildren. He showed up for the big and little things and enjoyed traveling to watch his sons and grandchildren in their respective sports. He will be greatly missed by his family but his life has left a great impact. During his tenure in education, Tom would teach his students a valuable life lesson, “Believe, Achieve, Succeed. Believe in yourself, Achieve your goals, and then you'll succeed.”
Memorial contributions can be made to Dunebrook, Inc. 7451 W Johnson Rd Michigan City, IN 46360.
Private family services will take place at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana.
