Roll Call Tribute

Robert Heyward Hoppe 

January 14, 1932 - December 29, 2025 

Robert Heyward Hoppe, age 93, of Abilene, Texas passed away on December 29, 2025, in Abilene, Texas.

Born on January 14, 1932, in Stamford, Texas, Robert was the son of Robert Cottman Hoppe and Elizabeth Ann Wood Hoppe. He graduated from Texas A&M University and went on to earn his MBA from Harvard Business School.

Robert served his country as a naval aviator in the U.S. Navy’s Air Anti-Submarine Squadron, where he flew S2F aircraft from aircraft carriers. His passion for aviation extended into civilian life through his interest in aeronautical engineering and building radio-controlled model airplanes.

A driven entrepreneur, Robert owned and operated Hoppe Auto Electric with locations in Abilene, Big Spring, and San Angelo. He later founded Consolidated Parts Warehouse and several Auto Part Marts. His business ventures also included interests in small engines, cattle and ranching, the securities markets, and early computerized business systems.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Patricia Hoppe Magee; and his son, Mark Heyward Hoppe.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Sellers Hoppe; children Erle Sellers Hoppe and Ann Dees (Hewitt) Gardner; daughter-in-law Betsy Hoppe; grandchildren William Sanderson Hoppe, Eleanor Elizabeth “Blitz” Phillips, Ellen Sanders, Anne Fried, Nellie Reed, and Emily Connolly; and thirteen great-grandchildren: Palmer and Luke Hoppe; Heath, Hardy, and Hoppe Phillips; Quinn and Kit Connolly; Jill and Curtis Sanders; Kate and Kaylee Reed; and Ford and Emmett Fried.

An active man throughout his life, Bob enjoyed tennis, snow and water skiing, hunting, scuba diving, horseback riding, and windsurfing. He was a devoted husband and an involved father who cherished time with his family.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene with Reverend David Romanik officiating. Interment will follow at the church columbarium.

Memorials may be made to The Church of the Heavenly Rest or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society now known as Blood Cancer United.