- Date Of Birth: January 24, 1932
- Date Of Death: November 18, 2020
- State: Maryland
On November 18, 2020, Eugene, Louis Hopper, “Gene,” passed surrounded by his loving family. He was in the fullness of his 88th year.
Born the son of Andrew James and Minnie (nee Koppen), he would come to be a Glen Burnie resident when his family moved there when he was very young. Ultimately he would be a lifelong member of the community.
A graduate of Glen Burnie High School, class of 1950, he soon enlisted in the United States Navy. Gene served on board the USS Bassett, a high speed transport destroyer in the Atlantic during the Korean War. The Navy was everything to him and he was very proud of his service. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Gene pursued a career as a Locksmith and eventually owned and operated his own business, “Gene’s Lock and Key,” a Glen Burnie landmark for many decades.
During his leisure time, Gene, a sailor at heart, enjoyed being on the water and boating. He owned several boats from skiffs to cabin cruisers. He also was interested in hot rods and antique cars and even owned several classics, including a restored 1954 Chevy pickup truck.. Gene was also a traveler and journey to places throughout the United States including Florida and Colorado and Hawaii. He travelled all around.
Gene was a dedicated and loving family man and a dear friend to many.
Surviving him is his dear wife of 42 years, Carmen (nee Hodge) as well as loving daughters, Roseanne Demske and her husband Jim, Sheila Bryant and her spouse Mike and Jeanette Kennon and her husband Mel and one beloved son, Andy Handschuh. Gene will be deeply missed by his cherished grandchildren, Phillip Demske, Pamela Hernick, Stephanie Dixon, Megan Hopper, Kim Miller, Julie and Robyn Kennon, Andrea Handschuh and Amanda Gernert. His memory lives on in 15 great-grandchildren. Last but not least, his presence will be missed by his beloved dogs, “Pearl” and “Snuggles,” and parrotts “Jo” and “Mickey.”
