Estel Hopper Junior (Way)

1917 - 1973

Estel (Jr.) was the product of a liaison between Estel Hopper and Myrtle Pauline "Bonnie" Way, a 13 year old girl from Muncie, Indiana. He was raised by his Grandmother, Emma P. Way.

Documents at the Records Office in Muncie record that the father was a married, 23 year old soldier, from Kentucky named Estel Hopper.

Estel Jr. was born on December 14, 1917, and lived his entire life using the surname "Hopper". He may not have known that his last name was Way until he eventually saw his birth certificate.

His mother's name was Myrtle Pauline Way (Bonnie).

In an interview with Estel Junior's half sister, Loretta, she remembered Bonnie and Bonnie's mother coming to their house, probably to discuss the matter. She and her mother hid inside their house so they would not have to confront them. She also remembered approaching Estel Junior as a young lady and identifying herself as his half sister. She said he appeared 'shocked'.

Estel Jr's wife (Cleota) was born in Richmond, VA on June 10, 1922.