Donald Hoppes   
Redding, CA
2/1/1929 - 12/4/2016

Donald (Don) Hoppes passed away with wife Dorothy by his side on December 4th at Oakdale Heights in Redding where he had resided for the past year.

Don was blessed to have had two happy loving marriages in his lifetime. He is preceded in death by loving wife Florence Hoppes and leaves behind surviving spouse Dorothy Hoppes and children Steve (Deb) Hoppes, Patricia (Larry) Dunn, Mark Hoppes, Linda (Ken) Alvares, and Bill Cane. He also leaves grandchildren Jennifer, Stacy, Kate, Kris and many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great great grandchildren.

Don was born in Jerome, Idaho and moved to Boulder City, Nevada at age two where he grew up with his sisters and brothers Kathryn, Evelyn, Harry and Alan. He left Boulder City in 1947 to join the USAF.

Don served in the USAF for over 20 years retiring with the rank of SMSGT. During his time in the Air Force he traveled to many places, Texas, The Philippines, Okinawa, Arkansas, Vietnam, Oregon, Hawaii and California.

He learned his life long trade of A&P Aircraft Mechanic and Aircraft Inspector while in the USAF and was awarded the FAA Master Mechanic Award for over 50 years of service.

After retiring from the Air Force Don continued to work as an aircraft mechanic and inspector. He worked at all the airports in the Redding area, Benton Airpark, Redding Sky Ranch and Redding Jet Center. He also worked for CH2M Hill as an aircraft mechanic for 10 years, traveling to Oregon with them when they moved their operation to Corvallis.

Don always enjoyed family get togethers and visiting with everyone. He will be remembered for his great ability to tell a "Tall Tale" so well he had you believing it!

Graveside services will be held at Lawncrest Memorial Park on Thursday December 22, 2016 at 2pm.

There will be a celebration of life to be held at a later date and place.

Please sign the guest book at http://obits.redding.com - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/redding/obituary.aspx?n=donald-hoppes&pid=183149497&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.fb2HCc5m.dpuf