Dr. Robert Wayne Hopper

Longtime Grove physician, Robert Wayne (“Doc”) Hopper, M.D., F.A.A.P., died July 14, 2024, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, following a prolonged illness. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Church on the Hill, Grove. Visitation will be held at 1:30 p.m. followed by service at 2:30 p.m., under the direction of Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home.

Hopper, 74 was an Oklahoma City native and graduate of the University of Oklahoma, but his heart belonged to Delaware County, where he lived and practice for nearly 40 years.

A proud Cherokee citizen, Hopper completed his medical training through the prestigious Indian into Medicine (INMED) program at the University of North Dakota in 1983 and received his M.D degree from Michigan State University in 1985. He was a commissioned officer with the U.S. Indian Health Service, separating in 1991 at the rank of Lt. Commander. Hopper served at the Sam Hider Indian Clinic in Jay, the Claremore Indian Hospital, and the Bearskin Health Center in Wyandotte. He practiced locally at Integris Grove General Hospital, and operated a private family practice, Hopper Medical Clinic, from 1995-2010. He was board certified in pediatrics and internal medicine.

Hopper enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969, assigned to the 503rd Airborne Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, known as the “Sky Soldiers”. He was an active life member of the Grove Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. Throughout his career, “Doc” Hopper was dedicated to helping military veterans.

Hopper was also a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Association of American Indian Physicians, and was a life member of the Tulsa Scottish Rite and the Grove Masonic Lodge No. 187.

He will be remembered for the many years he volunteered as lay coach for Grove wrestling programs, and as an avid supporter of Grove sports and activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Nora Mae (O’Neal) Hopper, brother Donald Rushing, daughter Currie Wilcoxson, and son, David Hopper.

He is survived by his wife, Jan (Morris) Hopper, children Tina Hopper, Breah Hopper, Sadie Newman, and U.S. Army Master Sergeant Robert “Harvey” Hopper; stepchildren Ginger Glover-Rainbolt, Dr. Scott Glover, and Matt Glover; brother Woodrow W. Hopper, son-in-law Dusty Wilcoxson, and numerous grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please continue Robert's philanthropy by giving to the Arts in Delaware County by donating to the Jay Art Club. Donations can be mailed to: Jay Pubic Schools Activity Fund, 821 N. Main Street, Jay, OK 74346 or to the Shriners.