Robert Gibson Hooper

Robert “Bob” Gibson Hooper, known by most as “Chief,” passed peacefully on June 19, 2026, just 18 days after celebrating his 63rd wedding anniversary with the love of his life, his beloved wife and best friend, Delores, whom he called Nonnie.

Bob was born on September 14, 1940, in McKinney, Texas, to John Montreal Hooper and Hermine Stover Hooper. His father was a beloved family doctor, and his mother was a gifted professional concert pianist, violinist, violist, and flautist. From his earliest years, Bob was surrounded by intelligence, music, service, and a deep appreciation for excellence.

Like many boys growing up in the 1950s, Bob had a love for muscle cars. But the true love of his life was Delores Commander, whom he met in the mid-1950s when he was 15 and she was 13. Their friendship grew into a lifelong love, and they were married on June 1, 1963, in Denton, Texas.

Bob attended North Texas State University, now the University of North Texas, where his father had also attended college. There, Bob earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in physics. Later, he earned a second master’s degree in public administration. While completing his first master’s degree, he served as a graduate assistant.

Immediately after their marriage, Bob and Delores moved to New Orleans, where Bob worked for the Chrysler Space Program for a year to gain experience. After that year, they returned to Denton so Bob could pursue what he thought was his dream: working for the influential Ling-Temco-Vought, or LTV, conglomerate in Grand Prairie, Texas. Bob worked at LTV from 1964 to 1978 in the research and development division. What he did not know until later was that he had been working on the then top-secret Stealth Bomber project.

Though Bob was, quite literally, a rocket scientist, professional success did not satisfy the deeper calling of his life. He had a strong desire to serve people, help others, and be present with Delores and their two boys, Robert and Scott. In the mid-1970s, he began serving as a volunteer reserve police officer with the Denton Police Department. That experience helped spark a new vision and direction for his life.

In 1978, Bob left LTV and joined the police force at his alma mater, North Texas State University. Over the next nine years, he worked his way through the ranks to become Lieutenant, overseeing police operations.

In 1987, Bob became the Chief of Police at Tarleton State University under the visionary leadership of Dr. Barry Thompson. He became part of the team that helped turn Tarleton around and prepare the ground for the university it has become today. Under Bob’s leadership, Tarleton was recognized as one of the safest campuses in the nation. Besides being a trophied expert marksman, he started a police academy, taught cutting-edge arrest control tactics to local officers, trained a team to teach self-defense classes for women, and personally mentored many officers who would go on to serve in law enforcement capacities across the nation.

When Bob, Delores, and Scott completed the move to the Stephenville area in 1988, they settled in Dublin and began attending Cottonwood Baptist Church. Bob became a deacon and later transitioned into service on the elder board. He was one of only two deacons to make that transition and the only one to serve nearly 30 years in full leadership capacity. His life was marked by steady faith, humble leadership, and a deep love for Christ, his family, his church, and his community.

Bob was a devoted Christ-follower, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, church leader, mentor, and servant. He carried strength with gentleness, intelligence with humility, and leadership with compassion. To many, he was “Chief.” To his family, he was husband, Dad, “Papa” and “Chief” to his grandkids, and always a faithful and steady example of a life well lived.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John Montreal Hooper and Hermine Stover Hooper of McKinney, Texas.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Delores Commander Hooper of Dublin; two sons and their spouses, Robert and Jeannette Hooper of Tomball, Texas, and Scott and Shellie Hooper of Stephenville, Texas; two brothers, John and Janie Hooper of Beaumont. California, and Thomas Hooper of Dallas, Texas.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren and their spouses. Robert and Jeannette’s kids: Colin and Tiffany Hooper, Benjamin and Rachel Hooper, Alex and Jessica Hooper, and Bethany and Tyler Ryder who called him “Papa”, and Scott and Shellie’s kids: Kaitlin and Cody Rodgers, Christopher and Morgan Hooper, and Caleb and Jasmyn Hooper who called him “Chief”; plus, three great-grandsons: Nicholas Hooper, Beau Rodgers, and Jameson Hooper.

Bob’s life was a testimony of faithfulness, service, wisdom, and love. His influence lives on in his family, in the officers he mentored, in the church he served, and in the countless lives strengthened by his steady presence.