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.

December 14, 1917

Young Estel Jr. Estel was born in Muncie, IN.
He was raised by his maternal grandmother Lower.

1939

Estel married Cleota Irene (Doty) Knapp/Rife.
She used her maiden name on the marriage license.

August 6, 1940

Tremendously handsome son Daniel William was born
Daniel after popular singer Danny O'Neill, William after Grandpa William Knapp

1942

Estel Junior Hopper III was born

1944

David Lee Hopper was born

February 24, 1945
- January 22, 1946

Estel was drafted into the Army.

April 16, 1947

James Robert (Patric) Hopper was stillborn.
He is buried at Beach Grove Cemetery, Mulncie, IN. (Lot #70-19, S.G.)

1950

Estel Jr. and Cleota divorced.

1952

Estel Jr. married Ruth Worthington. This was Estel's second marriage and Ruth's third. Ruth had a daughter by a previous marriage(Penny Runyan).

About 1955-7

Estel wrote a short story. He was not a proliforous writer but it is an interesting story.

1973

Estel died of Stomach Cancer at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, OH.

   

Tombstone