Dwight Ellsworth Hoopes was born July 22, 1930 in Anthony, Kansas, son of Rollie E. and Flossie Edna (Helmbold) Hoopes.  He graduated from Anthony High School in 1948.

On November 3, 1950, Dwight was inducted into the United States Air Force. While enlisted he worked as a mechanic on B-36s. He was honorably discharged on November 2, 1954.

On Easter morning, March 25, 1951, Dwight married Shirlee Gaither at a friend's house in rural Anthony.  This union was blessed with three children:  Regina, Greg, and Brian.

He loved farming from childhood and that was his occupation for 75 years. When 12 years old he asked his mother to let him help his dad in the field rather than attend Bible School. His father gladly gave his permission. Except for his time in the Air Force, he lived in Harper County farming first with his brother and father. Later, it was with great joy his son, Brian joined him. Then when his son, Greg retired from his career, he joined Dwight working along aside him nearly daily.

His son, Greg and grandsons came during the summers to help in the fields. The grandsons remember they let grandpa drive to the field because he drove slowly but one of them insisted on driving home after the day's work. They speak of him not getting upset even when one of them took out a fence with an implement while working a field. He was a man of great patience and grace.

Dwight was a quiet, soft-spoken, patient man of strong faith, integrity, and proven character. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Anthony. He was very generous and eager to help anyone who needed it, even to his own inconvenience. He was gifted in being able to look at situations or problems and be able to resolve or fix them. He liked working in woodcraft and often made things for family members.

Because his wife, Shirlee, felt his life should be recorded for his great grandchildren, and beyond, she asked great granddaughter, Braylyn Hoopes to interview him. She interviewed him Labor Day then a month later it was discovered he had stage 4 cancer. The interview resulted in a book that was given to each family member at Christmas. We give God the credit for the plan and timing of this keepsake.

On February 18, 2022, Dwight passed away at the age of 91 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Kenneth and Glenn Hoopes.

Dwight will be deeply missed by his wife, Shirlee; children:  Regina Allemang (Willie), Greg Hoopes (Rhonda), and Brian Hoopes (Tammy); brother, Francis Hoopes (Pauline); grandchildren:  Philip Hoopes (Mendy), Tyler Hoopes (Rachel), Rachael Willmott (Jeremy), Nichole Dungan (Travis), Ryan Hoopes (Jessica), and Aaron Allemang (Kristin); 12 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Graveside service 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Forest Park Cemetery, Anthony.

Friends may register 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home, Anthony.

Memorials in memory of Dwight may be made to Victory Village and sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.