ALTON FORD HOOPER

1934 — 2026

Alton Ford Hooper, born on August 26, 1934, passed away on March 1, 2026, at the age of 91 years, 6 months. He was a long-time resident of Madison County for more than eighty years. He resided in Hearne for the past nine years. He was the son of D.W. and Nannie Ford Hooper of Normangee. He grew up around Mecca and Normangee, then later lived in Madisonville during his career years. In 1954, at an invitation of his friend, Roger Hines, he went on a double date and met Frances Reynolds. They quickly fell in love and married in June,1955. Their marriage lasted nearly seventy years before Frances passed away. They raised two children, James David and Lauren Michelle, in Madisonville, and were a lifelong couple with a nearly inseparable bond, sharing many friendships over the years.

Ford and Frances shared a durable faith in Jesus. They were faithful members of several local Baptist Churches.

Upon moving to Hearne, they joined First Baptist Church, where James serves as Pastor. They are both now together in our Lord’s presence.

As for his career, Ford loved driving trucks and operating heavy road machinery. His favorite role was sitting behind the wheel of a road maintainer, a role enjoyed for some forty years. He also enjoyed being a cattleman on his eighty-fiveacre place, south of Normangee. He and Frances built a home there in the 1980’s and enjoyed life on the ‘Hooper Hill’ for many years.

Ford was known as a friendly man, with a humble and conservative disposition. He was a respected and beloved neighbor.

He took great pride in his family. His favorite titles were Dad, Papa, Brother & Uncle. Ford was preceded in death by wife, Frances, his parents, his brother Kal Hooper, and Sister, Eula Mae Marino.

Those surviving Ford are son, James Hooper (Judy), daughter, Lauren Martin, and grandkids, Ben Hooper (Amber), Whitney Hooper and Jared Martin (Mysti). He had two great grandchildren: Emersyn and Aiden Hooper. Other family surviving him are sister, Mary Jo Patterson (James David), Sister-in-law, Linda Hooper and numerous nephews, nieces, and other relatives.

Ford lived ninety-one years to the max as the oldest member of his family. He was a great Patriarch and treasure to his family, and a source of much Madison County history. He was among the best and will be greatly missed!