Paul James Hopp

Paul James Hopp

Oct. 11, 1936 – Nov.1, 2023

Paul passed away quietly on Nov. 1, 2023 at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland,

Wash. Paul was born to Henry and Lydia (née Eckhardt) in Odessa, Wash. on Oct.11, 1936. The youngest of five siblings, he grew up in Odessa where he was an active Boy Scout, played baseball and other sports, and worked alongside his father Henry in construction and on his grandfather Conrad Hopp’s farm. After graduating from Odessa High School in 1954, he had a short stint at WSU before enlisting in the Army with his friends Lyle Raugust, Cecil Schell, and JP Luiten. For most of his service he was a cook stationed in Norfolk, VA. In 1959, he was honorably discharged and moved back home to Odessa. A few months after meeting on a blind date, Paul married Barbara Ruppert in Metaline Falls, Wash. on Oct. 11, 1959. Together they resided in the home that Paul built for them in Odessa where they raised their two children, Debbie and Robbie. Paul worked construction with his dad before he started delivering fuel for Standard Oil. He purchased the distributorship in 1966 and worked as his own boss for many years until he sold his business, continuing to deliver fuel for the Odessa Grange Supply. Paul was a reliable friend and neighbor, always ready to help with any project around town. From roofs and decks to birdhouses and cooler boxes, Paul’s good nature, craftsmanship, and generosity can be found all through Odessa. He was active in his community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Bier Garten Chairman, served several years as Fire Chief for the Odessa Fire Department, and worked as an EMT. Paul and Barb were members at United Congregational Church, where both served in multiple capacities, Paul serving both as a Deacon and on the Board of Trustees. He is survived by his sister Yvonne Hille (Bruce), his children Debbie Berry and Rob Hopp (Michelle), his grandchildren Ashley (Berry) Harwood, Chase Berry (Bri), Drew Berry (Brittani), Rochelle Hopp, and Megan Hopp, and his great-grandkids, Charlei, Kobe, Gunnar, Evalynn, John Paul, and Blaine Henry. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Barbara, siblings Barbara, Richard, Norma, and his son-in-law Charlie Berry. A Celebration of Life Memorial service to honor Paul will be Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m. at Heritage Church in Odessa. Memorial contributions can be made to the Odessa Fire Department, PO Box 250 Odessa, WA 99159. Fond Memories and expressions of sympathy maybe shared at http://www.strate-funeral.com for the Hopp family. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, Davenport, WA is caring for the family.