Kenneth Hoopes was veteran, music teacher

DOWNEY - Kenneth A. Hoopes, a longtime music teacher and veteran of World War II, died June 6 in Downey. He was 89.He was born Oct. 13, 1919 in Beaver, Utah to Archibald Lyle and Mary Melissa Allred Hoopes. He was the fourth of five children. He met his future wife, Martha Dennis, in 1938 while attending BYU where he was a music major. They were married in 1940 in the Salt Lake City Latter-day Saints Temple and had four children. Hoopes graduated from BYU and USC with degrees in Music. He taught music in public schools for 36 years, including 34 years at Montebello Intermediate School. He was recognized many times for his dedication to music and teaching by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and was presented the Bravo Award by the Los Angeles Music Center. Hoopes served as a medic during World War II, and shared his love of music by organizing a band while in Manila, Philippines. He was an active member and a High Priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous capacities, including as executive secretary to the Bishop, in the Sunday School, as High Priest Group Leader, and in the Elders Quorum Presidency. He also acted as choir director for 25 years and staged three plays, "Papa and the Playhouse," "Promised Valley" and Handel's "Messiah" many times. Hoopes is survived by his wife of 69 years, Martha; daughters, Carole (Carl) D'Amico and Christine (Randall) Redding; son, Jim (Isabel); 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his sister, Norma Goodwin; son, Dennis Hoopes; and grandchild, Carl Borup. A viewing will be held today from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12425 Orizaba Ave., in Downey. A funeral will take place today at the same church. Internment will be at Rose Hills Memorial Park. Services were entrusted to the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.

********** Published: June 12, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 8