Alex Hopkins

CARBONDALE - Alex Hopkins, 81, of Carbondale passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Born in Austin, Texas, and the son of a U.S. Army Major, Alex grew up in a military family with three brothers and a sister. Frequent moves to bases in Germany and across the U.S. gave him and his siblings countless adventures and a bond that lasted a lifetime.

In his twenties, Alex proudly served four years in the United States Navy, including a tour in Okinawa, where he rose to sergeant-at-arms and received the National Defense Service Medal. After his service, he moved to Carbondale to attend school and live with his sister Rosalie. While at John A. Logan College, he met Margaret, a young single mom. It was love at first sight. Within a year, they married, and soon after, their daughter Autumn joined her big brother, Reggie.

Alex earned a journalism degree from SIU and built a 30-year career with the Federal Government. At home, his booming laugh, love for mischief, and endless devotion to his family filled every room. For more than 50 years, he and Margaret shared a true half-century honeymoon, inseparable and deeply devoted to each other.

He loved animals, fishing, hunting, gardening, woodworking, and HAM radio. He gave generously of his time, serving as an election judge, chaplain for the local Disabled American Veterans chapter, youth gun-safety instructor, and amateur fiction writer for an outdoor magazine. He also served over 40 years as president of the property for his favorite sports club, where Fridays were spent with friends honing their skills and sharing stories.

Alex was a voracious reader and a student of history, with a special passion for American history and the Old West. His encyclopedic memory and legendary storytelling brought family history and adventures to life, from childhood travels with his siblings to the early years with Margaret and the joy of raising their family. He also loved spirited conversations about politics and current events. Proudly a Trump supporter, he valued the lively exchange of ideas and always approached those discussions with humor and respect.

Above all, Alex was a man of faith. He and Margaret shared a steadfast devotion to Our Lord Jesus Christ, and he counted many clergy among his friends in the local community.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his son Reggie; his daughter, Autumn Bloom (Jerry); his siblings, Dave, Rosalie and Robert; beloved nieces and nephews; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Amelia and Wayne D. Hopkins, and his brother, Wayne Glenn Hopkins.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, in Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale, with Pastors Bruce Payne, Verlinda Newton and Earnie Newton officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of services Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Francis CARE Animal Shelter at 6228 Country Club Road; Murphysboro, IL 62966, and will also be accepted at the funeral home.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Alex, visit www.meredithfh.com.