John Carswell Hooper

John C. Hooper passed away on September 25, 2013, at the age of 84. He was survived by his wife Karen Usner Hooper and his children William Hooper (Delores), Kathleen Hooper, John Hooper, Jr. (Marie), Michael Hooper (Susan), and Holly Hooper Ruli (Jack). He was also survived by 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Hooper was born on December 30, 1928, to Carswell Oran Hooper and Ora Mae Smith Hooper. He was also predeceased by his brother Eugene Lewis Hooper and his sister Ora Mae Hooper Clark.

He was graduated from Isidore Newman and LSU. He served in the U.S. Navy then the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War achieving rank of the 1st Lieutenant. During his time in the service, he was an accomplished pilot with the 80th Fighter Bomber Squadron. Following his duty in Korea, he was based out of Charleston, South Carolina in the MATS. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

After his military service, he joined his father and his brother in the family business Intracoastal Tubular Services, Inc.

His hobbies included but were not limited to the restoration and flying of WWII and modern aircraft, restoring classic automobiles (MG’S), sailing, and golf. Following his services, he continued to pursue his passion for flying. He became a National Stearman Association Aerobatic Champion and flying formation champion numerous times. He was a recipient of the Lloyd Stearman Award, presented to a person for significant achievement in the restoration, preservation and flying of Stearman Aircraft. He was a certified flight instructor and taught at his private airfield, Skylark, which he built in the early 80’s. It became his permanent residence in 1993 at which time he married Karen.

He was a member of the following associations/societies: Quiet Birdman New Orleans Hanger, Stearmen Restorers Association, Mardi Gras T’s M.G. Club, New Orleans Ghost Flying Tiger Squadron.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service at Byrd’s Chapel United Methodist Church at 26 Byrd’s Chapel Rd. Carriere, MS. Visitation at 10:00 a.m. with services following at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2013.