DIXFIELD – Walter C. “Hoppy” Penley, 84, of 12 Marble Lane, Dixfield, went home peacefully Oct. 8, to be with his Lord with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Rumford, on Aug. 20, 1922, the son of Carlton and Annie (Flagg) Penley. He was employed by Oxford Paper Co., Stowell MacGregor and the town of Dixfield for many years.

On Sept. 1, 1945, he married Lillian Jackson of Temple. He loved everybody and could carry on a conversation with anybody. He enjoyed telling stories and jokes. He loved animals, especially dogs. He often spoke about his motorcycle, his country and western band called “Hoppy and His Mountaineers.” He loved to sing and play the guitar. He was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever he could, despite a bout with polio that left his foot crippled.

He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene.

Survivors include his wife, Lillian of Dixfield; four daughters, Lorraine Welch of Dixfield, Rosannda Penley of Rumford, Sandra Frost, and her husband, Morton, of Mexico and Wanda Jepson, and her companion, Glenwood Berry, of Carthage; two sons, Philip Penley of Peru and Garfield Penley of Dixfield; two sisters, Marie Tyler of Bryant Pond and Evelyn Morin, and her husband, Gerald, of Bryant Pond; three brothers, Carroll Verrill of Bryant Pond, Harold Verrill, and his wife, Betty, of Bryant Pond and Roland Tyler, and his companion, Linda, of Dixfield; one stepsister, Patricia Fox of Augusta; two stepbrothers, Wendell Tyler of Canton and Carlton Tyler, and his wife, Gloria, of Newburgh; 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by an infant son, Francis, in 1954; daughter-in-law, Judy Penley; son-in-laws, Brian Jepson, David Welch and Lawrence Welch; grandchildren, Dawn Jepson and Todd Garland; his brother, Francis Penley; and his folks.

Special thanks to two wonderful caregivers: his daughter, Wanda Jepson and his granddaughter, Candy Welch and hospice nurses, Tammy Bean and Jane Chandler.