Marion Reno Hopper, age 80, of Knox, passed away Tuesday afternoon, November 29, 2016 at the Clarion Hospital following an illness.

     Born October 27, 1936 in Paint Township, Clarion County, he was a son of the late Leonard L. and Ella Mae Horne Hopper.

     He was career military, retiring from the United States Army.  His military career was highlighted by two tours in Vietnam and playing an extra in the John Wayne movie “Green Beret”.  His platoon built the city that was blown up in Fort Benning, Georgia.

     After his military service, Marion worked as a security guard, along with various other jobs.

     He married the former Betty Jean Watkins, who preceded him in death on May 3, 2013.

     Marion was a member of the Mt. Joy United Methodist Church in Knox and enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, reading and watching westerns.

     Survivors include two sons:  Marion Hopper, Jr. of Knox and Michael Rae Hopper and his wife, Laurie of Grove City; two daughters:  Julie Ann Mastroianni of Wallingford, Kentucky and Cindy Lee McGuire and her husband, Patrick, of Auburn, Alabama; three grandchildren:  Bryon Cogswell and his wife, Rachel; Joey Watkins and his wife, Sasha and Shaylene Hagan and her husband, Jeff and six great grandchildren.

    Marion is also survived by his brother and two sisters:  Thurl Hopper and his wife, Loretta, of Avon, Ohio; Flora Bryan of Reynoldsville and Alberta “Bertie” Watkins of New Bethlehem.

     In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Celesto “Mac” Mastroianni; three brothers and three sisters:  Lawrence “Peck” Hopper, Ronald “Red” Emahizer, Kenneth Hopper, Sarah Pauline Blair, Belva Bell and Joyce Reedy.

     There will be no calling hours.

     A memorial service will be held for family and friends at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the Mt. Joy United Methodist Church, 159 Mt. Joy Road, Knox, with the Reverend Doug Brink, pastor of the church, officiating over the service.

     Military honors will be accorded at the church prior to the service by the Berlin-Bowser American Legion Post #720 of Knox.

     Interment will take place in the Knox Union Cemetery.

     Memorial contributions may be given in the name of Marion Reno Hopper to the Mt. Joy Church, 159 Mt. Joy Road, Knox, PA  16232

     Online condolences may be sent to Marion’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

     Arrangements are under the direction of the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc. of Knox.

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