Robert Hooper

Robert Dwayne Hooper, a dutiful father, grandfather, and husband, gently passed away in the early morning of April 22, 2025, surrounded by the love of his four children: Callie (Richard) Glass, Dillan (Erica) Hooper, Emily Hooper, and Katelyn (Travis Speakman) Hooper, and his wife of 37 years, Bobbie Jo (Mitchell) Hooper. They were his best friends, and he thanked God for every day he was given with them. He loved without condition, and he was fiercely loved in turn. Robert was born in Columbus, Ohio, on May 11, 1965, to Janet B. Staffan and Joseph R. Hooper. He and his five siblings spent their lives in and out of the homes of family, children's shelters, and foster care due to the habitual neglect and abuse of their parents. Robert entered adulthood abandoned and homeless, with little to believe in.

These circumstances could have dictated that Robert become a careless and hateful human on a path to a chaotic end. But by chance, he met Bobbie Jo—and her dedication to him, simply put, saved his life. The family they made together gave his life meaning, and he found his purpose through the laughter and the tears they shared. Through them, he found his faith in God, and Robert became an even-keeled patriarch to his eight grandchildren: Bradleigh Glass, Emmalyn Glass, Jackson Schnars, Charlotte Hooper, Lucas Ansley, Francis Hooper, Ivan Ansley, and Wilma Hooper. In the end, he finally got the family he had always deserved—a family built not just from blood, but also from grace, love, and redemption.

Despite being a high school dropout who later acquired his GED, Robert had a deep love for the arts, science, history, and math. When he was not thumbing through geometry textbooks, he could be found working on his stained-glass projects or tinkering with small engines. The History Channel and the Weather Channel were two of his favorite go-to leisure shows. He loved Frasier, but he was absolutely obsessed with SpongeBob SquarePants, enjoying its perfect blend of humor for both children and adults—entertainment the whole family could enjoy.

Robert found true joy in the simple things: nature walks, fishing trips, or swimming in the backyard. But above all, he loved spending time with his wife and children. He never missed a chance to show his support—cheering from the stands at gymnastics competitions, applauding at musicals, or beaming with pride at swim meets. His family was the center of his world. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren and deeply admired the way his children were raising them. Robert’s warmth, curiosity, and unwavering love for his family left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He also treasured the companionship of his lifelong friends, Steve Moore and Terry Dickson. Their regular phone conversations were a cherished part of his life—full of laughter, memories, and meaningful connection that spanned the years.

 If Robert could have done anything differently in his life, he would have been an archaeologist or an illustrator for Marvel Comics—but he would not have changed a thing if it meant he could not love Bobbie Jo. To him, every ounce of pain and every night filled with fear was worth living through because it led him to her. Robert believed that life was simpler than what people made it out to be. It is not about what you have, because nobody can take anything with them in the end. Life is meant for honest love. We are to wake every day grateful for our God-given opportunities to share the weight of our burdens and the heights of our triumphs with those we love—for love is the only currency exchanged between Heaven and Earth. The memories of our shared anguish and joy are cherished treasures, as they bring us closer together—in turn, closer to God. By chance, if reincarnation were to be real, then Robert intends to wait so that he and Bobbie Jo can do it all over again, together. Robert’s family and close friends will hold a private service at a later date.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dillan Hooper for writing this obituary. His father would not have wanted anyone else to reflect on his life, and Dillan honored him with every word. We are also grateful to Affordable Cremations for their compassionate care and support during this time.