David E. Hoppins

David E. Hoppins - age 75 of Lathrop, MO passed away Saturday morning, March 14, 2026, surrounded by family in Lathrop. David was born on February 13, 1951, the son of Elmer Ernest and Mary Lee (Gill) Hoppins in Kansas City, MO. He grew up in the Kansas City area, a member of St. Therese School and graduated from Park Hill High School. David married Jean Ann Hoppins on August 25, 1973 at St. Joseph's Parish in Parnell, MO. He and Jean Ann lived in Kansas City and Ferrelview before making their home in Lathrop. David worked as a Truck Driver for many years with NationWide Papers. After leaving NationWide Papers, David worked for the United States Postal Service as a Maintenance Engineer for 20+ years, retiring in 2016.

In his youth David joined the Boy Scouts and was a member of Lathrop Masonic Lodge #506 AF&AM in his later life. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time outside. David was very patriotic, serving his country in the 175th Aviation Company in the US Army during the Vietnam War with multiple commendations including:

The Air Medal for actively participating in over 25 aerial missions over hostile territory from April 1970- May 1970

The Army Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement against a hostile force from May 1970- October 1970

The Army Commendation Medal First Oak Leaf Cluster for sustained meritorious achievement against a hostile force from March 1970- March 1971

David was a loyal friend who would help anyone and would stand up for his friends and family when needed. He will be dearly missed by all.

David was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean Ann Hoppins; aunt Dorothy Gill and nephew, Jacob Bassett. He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Hetrick of Lathrop, MO, Rosemary Hoppins-Mick (Joe) of Lathrop, MO, and Dana Hetrick (Joey) of Gower, MO; grandchildren, Brook Wilson (Jake), Bridgett Branstietter (Dakota), Garrett Owings, Raven (Dayva) Mick, and Logan Hetrick; and Great Grandchildren, Jozie, Olivia and Nathan Wilson and Orion and Freyja Branstietter and siblings, Stephen Hoppins, Deborah Truxal, Thomas Hoppins, Christen Bassett, Robert Hoppins, Michael Hoppins, and Richard Hoppins.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at the First Christian Church of Lathrop. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop (816) 740-4658. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com