Obituary for Robert Eugene Hoppes, Jr.

Robert “Bob” Eugene Hoppes Jr. passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 3, 2023. He was born on November 26, 1950 and lived in Portland, MI.

Bob worked at Reed and Hoppes in Portland his entire life alongside his family and employees. For Bob, family and the business he helped his parents built, meant the world to him. His family was his everything. Bob also loved working, but never considered it work. He loved to help people and would do anything for anyone at any time.

Bob was a distributor for Miller Industries. Being in the business for as long as he was, anyone that had a problem knew they could call and ask Bob. He was a major influence in the towing industry. It didn’t matter whether he was fabricating a small or large wrecker, helping a customer, answering questions, talking on the phone, or solving a problem, he loved his job.

In his spare time (if he had any), he also loved playing cards (especially euchre), shooting pool, playing games with his grandchildren, watching Westerns on TV, and going for car rides with his family. Like his dad, Bob’s idea of a vacation was working and spending time with his family.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. and Florence Hoppes; sister, Julie (Eugene) Ridenour; and brother in-laws, Terre Coffman and Carl Harris.

He is survived by Linda, his wife of 42 years; sons, Robert A. Hoppes and Daniel (Katelyn) Hoppes; three beloved grandchildren, Daniel, Hazel, and Lawton Hoppes; siblings, Kathlene Harris, Vicki (Al) Richar, Mary (Daniel) Ferguson, Joyce Hoppes, Jeanne (Thomas) Grawburg, Judy (Robert) Barr, Marsha (Daniel) Gambill, and John Hoppes; niece, Sabrina (Binit) Gambill; nephews, Robert Barr II and Grant Gambill; aunt Lucille Hoppes.

The family would like to acknowledge Joe Towner, a devoted “brother”, friend, and employee of 46 years. Bob and Joe spent many hours working side by side, discussing and building equipment, and doing recovery work together.

Bob will be missed dearly by all his family and anyone that knew him.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland with the Rev. Dr. Marilyn V. Danielson of the First Congregational Church presiding. Interment will follow at Portland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-5 PM and 6-8 PM Tuesday, June 6, 2023 and 11-1 PM Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Lehman Funeral Home. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the International Towing & Recovery Museum, 3315 Broad St., Chattanooga, TN 37408, in memory of Mr. Robert E. Hoppes, Jr. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.