Joseph Elmaker Hopewell

Joseph Elmaker Hopewell 87 of Millville Pa, and Sarasota Florida died peacefully at his home in Sarasota on Saturday January 8, 2011. Born April 24, 1923 in Northumberland, Pa. A son of the late Hiram Burton Hopewell and Hannah Renner Hopewell. Joseph was the 12th child of 12 children. Growing up on a farm in Northumberland, PA and graduating from Northumberland High School in the class of 1941. As Joseph grew, he helped on the family farm, fished, hunted, fur trapped, and worked on the railroad. He entered the Army in 1943 during World War II, spending time in England, Germany and France. When the war was over, Joe worked at the Harrisburg Penitentiary, played semi-professional baseball and went to GI school. He drove truck for Hall's Trucking Company. At age 26, on January 29th he married Betty Arlene Moser and raised 3 daughters. He sold the farm in Northumberland and moved to the Millville Area in 1957. In 2008, Joe sold his farm equipment and retired to spend more time with his family and friends. Joe was a member of the Mill-Green United Methodist Church, Tatum Ridge Baptist Church in Sarasota, the Millville Fire Company, Columbia County Farm Bureau (Past President), Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Valley Grange #52, American Legion Post 564, VFW Post #804, Benton Rodeo Association, Board of Directors for GLF/Agway, The Elks, The Moose, Oriental Lodge No 460 - Mason of PA, and Sarasota Friendship Center. Joseph was predeceased by his wife, Betty A. Moser who died in 1973. Also, by his 11 brothers and sisters: David Valentine Hopewell, Anne Hopewell Smoot, Emily Hopewell Brokaw, Phillip Allen Hopewell, John Burton Hopewell, Frank Hanford Hopewell, Myron Calvin Hopewell, Harold Edward Hopewell, William Vastine Hopewell, Lois Marian Hopewell Lesher, and Myrtle Lucille Hopewell Shaw. He survived by his daughters Marian Hopewell Lacey and husband Richard of Rome, Pennsylvania, Kathy Hopewell of Millville Pa, Gloria Hopewell Kelsey and husband Michael of Sarasota Florida. One granddaughter Janna Ward of Millville Pennsylvania. A niece Susan Eileen Shaw Kremer and husband Steven of Delaware. Also, a sister-in-law Roxanne Hopewell and children, Philip and Linda Hopewell and their children Audrea and Jed, and Barbara and Dave Leffler and children, Trisha and Doug Klinger, and Nancy Hopewell. Joe loved to travel, sing and dance, dine out and entertain family and friends. He loved to make people happy and had a smile and a story for everyone. He was an avid Yankee fan and enjoyed the Spring Training baseball games in Sarasota at Ed Smith Stadium where he was a box seat ticket holder for many years. He had many friends near and far and will leave many pleasant memories for everyone that he loved. Services will be Thursday at 11:00 at the Mill Green United Methodist Church State St. Millville. With his Pastor Reverend Dr. Richard Leonard officiating. Burial will be at the Millville Cemetery with combined military honors. Friends may call Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 at Bunnell Funeral Home, Inc. 179 East Main Street. Also, Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 at the church. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Mill Green United Methodist Church Building Fund State Street Millville, Pa 17846. Friends may send condolences to bunnellfuneralhome.com.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Bunnell Funeral Home, Inc.

Service Information

Thursday, January 13th, 2011 11:00am, Mill-Green United Methodist Church

Interment Details

Millville Cemetery

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