William Hooper

1926 - 2026

William Raymond "Bill" Hooper, 99, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026.

He was born July 4, 1926 to Clinton and Beulah (Bliss) Hooper in Lawrence, Kansas.

Bill graduated from Maryville (MO) High School serving as Senior Class president. He was the donor of The Hooper Cup award and scholarship given to the outstanding Senior Class male athlete of the year which has been given out annually since 1945. He continued his education and later graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism degree. His first job out of college was in Advertising sales with the St. Joseph News Press.

Bill served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

He married Amelia "Mimi" Fuelling on December 3, 1950. Bill and Mimi were named "The Centralia Citizens of the Year" in 1997. Later that year, they moved back to St. Joseph, Missouri.

Bill was employed by the A.B. Chance Company of Centralia, Missouri for 39 years, retiring in 1991 as the Director of Marketing.

He was an Eagle Scout and also served as the Scoutmaster of two different Boy Scout troops. He was also a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

He was a former member of Rotary International and served as president of the Centralia Club. He had been a member of and also served as officer of a number of historical, athletic, recycling, civic, and business organizations.

Bill was a lifelong Methodist. He was a devoted member of both the Centralia UMC and then the Ashland United Methodist Church. He served on a number of local, district and conference committees and boards.

He had a legendary sense of humor and despite all his challenges, was witty until the end.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ann "Toni" Peck.

Survivors include his wife, Amelia; daughters, Brenda (John) and Barbie (Mark); grandsons, William (Morgan) and Blake; bonus grandchildren, Jeremy and Jana; great grandson, Benjamin; nephews, Craig Curnutt (who was so devoted in providing transportation and support in his last year) and Chuck Peck (who shared his sense of humor).

The Care Just for You team provided such excellent care for him and allowed him to stay in his home this past year.

Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial contributions to Ashland United Methodist Church or to the Boy Scouts of America-Pony Express Council. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.