Leroy Hopson "Hoppy" Cherry

Leroy "Hoppy" Cherry, a devoted family man, proud veteran, and lifelong gearhead with

a talent for working with his hands, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, in

New Harmony, Indiana, at the age of 85. He was born on August 1, 1940, in Cadiz,

Kentucky, to Nelson Cherry and Willie Shanks (Hopson).

Hoppy attended Elberfeld High School before beginning one of the most meaningful

chapters of his life: marrying the love of his life, Janet, and moving to Norfolk, Virginia,

where he served in the United States Navy. He proudly served aboard the USS Intrepid

(CV-11) as a Radarman Third Class (RD3). Together, he and Janet navigated the early

years of marriage while he served his country with pride and commitment, forming the

foundation for the strong and steady life they built over the next 63 years.

After completing his military service, Hoppy began a dedicated 27-year career at Alcoa,

where he was respected for his reliability, strong work ethic, and willingness to take on

any task. His steady hands and practical skills at both work and home were defining

traits throughout his life.

Family was always at the center of who Hoppy was. He and Janet raised two children,

Kimberly Goodwin and Roger Cherry (Angela). He was a proud grandfather to Kyle

Shaffer (Shawna), Kortney Shaffer, Anna Cherry, and Sophia Cherry, and he took

great joy in the addition of his eight great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters Betty Barclay (Ronald), Phyllis Shanks, Jackie Case,

Wanda Montgomery (John), Brenda Cherry, and Cathy Johnson, and by his brothers

Alan Cherry (Margie) and Kevin Cherry (Teresa).

Hoppy was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers Ronald Cherry and

Charlie Shanks (Lueas).

A true car enthusiast, Hoppy spent his life working on Chevy trucks, always finding

something to repair, improve, or bring back to life. At home, he embraced every project

with determination, whether he was building, fixing, or improving something. He found

deep satisfaction in a job done right.

His faith remained an important and steady part of his life, and he enjoyed attending

Christian Fellowship Church.

Hoppy will be remembered as a hardworking man, a loyal husband and father, and

someone who never hesitated to roll up his sleeves, whether tackling a home project or

diving into a truck that needed attention.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.