Powell Funeral Home
Walter Acey Hopper Jr. passed from this life on Nov. 10, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital with his family by his side. Walter was born Jan. 13, 1947, in Pawhuska, Okla., to Walter and Frederica (Lookout) Hopper. Walter’s birth mother died when he was about 4 years old, so he was raised by his stepmother Marguerite (Moe) Kastl Hopper. Walter was raised and received his education in Hominy, graduating with the class of 1966. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1966, serving in Vietnam. Walter achieved Airman of the Month for the 58th Military Airlift Command in July 1969 and was honorably discharged in 1970. With the rank of SGT. Walter and Marilyn Maxine Bloom were united in marriage in Hominy in 1967. He started college at Northeastern State University in September of 1970; transferring to Oklahoma State University in September of 1971. He graduated from OSU in December of 1973 with a BS degree in Sociology and Family Relations and Child Development. He continued his education at OSU to obtain his master’s degree in Manpower Development and Training/Economics in 1975.
From 1975 to 1977 he was Director of Indian Education for the Oklahoma City Public schools. Walter always loved the game of golf and decided to pursue this passion in 1977 when he started to work as an Assistant Pro under Gene Roop and Ross Elder at the Mohawk Golf Course in Tulsa. In 1983, he was hired as Golf Professional and course manager at the Pryor Golf Course, during this time he began to run the PGA Junior Tour from 1983 to 1996. Also, while in Pryor he started with about 200 kids and over the 13 years as the PGA Junior Director, the number of kids grew to 1,500 per summer session. In 1996, he was hired on at the PGA Sectional Office in Tulsa as the Junior Golf Director where he ran the Junior Tour and took on the position of Tournament Director for the PGA Professionals in the South-Central Section, serving in both positions for 14 years. In the thousands of kids that came thru the PGA Junior, many advanced to great heights: Doctors, Lawyers, etc.; and many became great golfers and are on the PGA and LPGA Tours. Examples include Matt Gogel, Bryce Molder, Tag Ridings, Brad Elder and Stacy Prammanasuh. Also, many went on to go to college on gold scholarships, who now hold positions in the South-Central Section today. His own three sons all went to college on Golf Scholarships.
During the many years of service, Walter achieved many awards and recognitions: 1989-special award from the South-Central PGA for excellent work and dedication to Junior Golf; 1980s and 1990s – served on the PGA National Junior Golf Committee; 1993-1994 PGA Service Award for dedicated service as a member of the PGA Junior Golf. On Nov. 17, 1995 – the Governors Award for all his work providing quality fitness and sports activities which have helped Oklahomans of all ages live happier and healthier lives. In November of 1995 – PGA Junior Golf Foundation award for Excellence; June 2004 – Jim Thorpe Award and Induction into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame for all his work in promoting Junior Golf. Walter attended many PGA and USGA tournament Rules Workshops throughout his years at the PGA Sectional office and served on the First Tee Program Board during his time at the PGA Section office. In 2011, Walter retired from the PGA of America and was made a lifetime member. Walter was a Methodist by faith and besides his love for golf, he loved 1960’s “Oldies but goodies” music and “He never met a stranger.”
Walter is survived by his wife Marilyn of the home in Tulsa; three sons – Acey Hopper who is a Captain with the Edmond Police Dept and his wife Christy; Travis Hopper and wife Kori, marketing director for Kimberly Clark, Atlanta, Ga.; and Adrian Hopper and spouse Becky, Club manager for Derby Golf and Country Club, Derby, Kans. Also surviving are two sisters – Mary Liz Ricketts and Bonnie Reed (Spouse of CJ Reed); seven grandchildren – Kyla Hopper, Jake Hopper, Mason Hopper, Brody Hopper, Bobby Hopper, Barrett Hopper and Julia Hopper. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Fredricka, his stepmother Marguerite (Moe) Kastl Hopper and a sister Joyce Ellen Hopper.
Walter lied in state at his home in Tulsa. Visitation was at the Hominy Indian Village Chapel. Traditional Indian services were held Nov. 15 at the Indian Village Chapel with Scott Lohah officiating. Burial followed in the A.J. Powell Memorial Cemetery with a traditional Indian feast following the burial. In Lieu of flowers, the family has requested for donations to be made to the SCPGA foundation / growing the game and giving back. southcentral.pga.com. The family entrusted Powell Funeral Home of Hominy with the arrangements.
