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Kenneth Hopkins Obituary
Kenneth was born in Gholson, Texas, to W.D. and Bernice Hopkins, July 27, 1930. He played basketball, football, and tennis at LaVega High School and graduated in 1948. Kenneth was in the Navy from January of 1951 to November of 1954. He served on the aircraft carrier, the USS Bataan, during the Korean War.
Kenneth was appointed postmaster of Crowley in 1967 and retired in 1985. He was with the railway mail service and was an air traffic controller before being appointed postmaster. He served on the Crowley School Board for many years. He met his wife of 54 years at Navarro College. Kenneth and Virginia were married in Shamrock, Texas.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, Willie D. Hopkins; mother, Bernice Hopkins; brother, Willie D. Hopkins Jr.; sister, Mary F. Hopkins; and grandson, David Billman.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia A. Hopkins; sons, Kenneth R. Hopkins Jr. and life partner, Drew, and Mark D. Hopkins; daughters, Debra Billman and Dana D. Skiffington and husband, James; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Opal Erlanson and husband, Tom, of Waco, and Edna Sandlin of Cedar Park; and brother, Charles and wife, Mary Ann, of Temple.
Baumgardner Funeral Chapel, 817-297-1116
July 27, 1930 - August 30, 2011
Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Hopkins
Barbara Bowser
September 29, 2011
We miss Kenneth coming into City Hall. His bright smile and conversation was always welcome and he will be always remembered.
Linda Giancaspro, Ballet Mistress, NEB
September 11, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Hopkins family. Although I never met Kennth Sr., I have been working side by side with his son, Kenneth Jr., for the past ten years. I have come to know of Kenn's love for his family through the many conversations we have had. I have always sensed that Kenn's keen love of education and the arts were instilled by his parents. That love has truly touched so many young people!!
Bobbie Sue Layne Alleman
September 10, 2011
Learned of "Hoppy's" passing from other classmates of LaVega via the Internet. He always had a place in our hearts and always will.
Kenneth in Waco, Texas
September 8, 2011
Beverly Coplen
September 6, 2011
Sincere symphathy for all the Hopkins family. He was a really good man who will be missed.
Mark Hopkins
September 6, 2011
Im glad we got to have the time we did togeather the last 5 years. You never stopped being a father, always concerned about the family with your unconditional love. You cant really be gone. I keep expecting you to call or come in from mowing or a walk. I love you Dad.
USS Bataan (CVL-29) Underway in January 1952 with F4U-4B Corsair fighter-bombers of VMF-314 on board. Dad was on board also...
Mark Hopkins
September 6, 2011
Dana Skiffington
September 5, 2011
I know it wasn't easy raising an independent, red-headed daughter. I will never forget the one and only spanking you had to give me - for the lesson was learned and the behavior never repeated. The time you asked me to play catch and my thought of needing to go easy on you was quickly turned from the stinging/numbing sensation felt in my hand. Thank you for reassuring me as a teenager by telling me, "You do not look fat in your bathing suit". I will miss the many phone calls just to ask, "How's the weather down there?"
You will always be with me and greatly missed. Thank you for being the best Daddy you could be....for me.
THANK YOU DADDY....for everything.
Dana Skiffington
September 5, 2011
I know it wasn't easy raising an independent, red-headed daughter. I will never forget the one and only spanking you had to give me - for the lesson was learned and the behavior never repeated. The time you asked me to play catch and my thought of needing to go easy on you was quickly turned from the stinging/numbing sensation felt in my hand. Thank you for reassuring me as a teenager by stating,"You do not look fat in your bathing suit". I will miss the phone calls just to ask, "How's the weather down there?"
You will always be with me and greatly missed. Thank you for being the best Daddy you could be....for me.
THANK YOU DADDY....for everything.
Lester Adams
September 4, 2011
Our prayers are with you in the loss of Kenneth. He was a fantastic athlete and a great guy. Fellow students at La Vega, Lester and Nan(McCormick) Adams
August 2010
September 3, 2011
Russell Price
September 3, 2011
Sincerest condolences to the Hopkins family upon your loss. All my love and thoughts are with you today. Baruch dayan emet. Blessed be the one true Judge.
Kenneth R. Hopkins, Sr. / 1930-2011
September 3, 2011
Makayla & Hoppy / Summer 2010
Makayla Beach
September 3, 2011
I miss you Hoppy...thank you so much for taking me to work with you at the City Hall last summer and for teaching me to mow the grass on the riding lawn mower...I love you...
Kenneth R. Hopkins, Jr.
September 3, 2011
The wake/viewing last night for "Kenneth R. Hopkins, Sr." was a wonderful celebration of my fathers life. Yes there were tears and yes there was loss but the "Hoppy" stories & recollections that kept pouring from the many friends and family members that filled the room far out weighed the sorrow. Daddy you touched the lives of so many more people then any of us even knew. I am humbled, honored & proud to be your son and to carry on your name. You are loved...
September 3, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to Kenneth's family. We know he will be missed. One of the nicest fellows to know from La Vega High School. Billy and JoAnn Bowden
Rev Henry L. Spells
September 3, 2011
To the Hopkins family: I learned of Kenneth's passing from our daughter Tracy. We were saddened by the news. I always enjoyed talking with Kenneth whenever we met. Our association goes back to the days of the Old Post Office. He touched so many lives in his time here on earth. Hold on to the good memories that you have of him and it will soften the sadness that you bear. He has reached his last Port of Call. May GOD Bless and keep you.
Toni Frazier
September 3, 2011
Virginia, Edna, Charles & Opal: My sincerest condolences. As Diane said, we have many fond memories of both Kenneth and Virginia from our childhood. My thoughts are with you and your families in your loss.
Teresa Segura
September 3, 2011
May God bless you each with peace to cope with the loss of our loved one. Much love to all of you. Wish that we could be there for you, but will be there in spirit. RIP Uncle Hoppy -- love you and miss you.
JoAnn Chatham Coker
September 2, 2011
TO THE ENTIRE HOPKINS FAMILY.
Rudolph and I were so sorry to learn ofthe loss of Kenneth. I was very fond of him and enjoyed pestering him as a young cousin will do. I had quite a crush on him and will always hold his memory dear,. Our sympathy and prayers for your peace in the loving arms of our God.
Rudolph and JoAnn Chatham Coker
September 2, 2011
Our sincere sympathy to the family on your loss....he was "Hoppy" to us teammates at La Vega....
Harold & Lena Graham
Bill & Gerri Bing
September 2, 2011
Words are always hard to find at such a time as this, but please be aware that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your husband and dad was truly a remarkable man. It was our privilege to know him. May God comfort you .
Diane Walthall
September 2, 2011
To Ginger, Edna, Charles, Opal and all the Hopkins clan – Life is too fleeting, but we share such wonderful memories of all those Christmas and other holidays when we would all be together at Aunt Bernice and Uncle Bill’s with the “dominoes clacking” and Aunt Bernice’s superb fried chicken! I particularly remember when Ken had graduated from high school and came to Galveston to visit Uncle Tony & Aunt Mildred (and me and my sister Toni Sharon) - swimming in the gulf and riding the giant roller coaster. How we are blessed with such happy memories to get us through grief. All my love and prayers are with you.
Diane Chatham Walthall
jessie romero
September 2, 2011
papa hopkins i will never forget you. i will always remember your warm smile and your hospitality. i love you always and forever and will miss your presence at new england ballet company. i love you papa hopkins
Marion & Roger Clare
September 2, 2011
Ken, Words cannot say how sorry we are for your loss. Even from far away, your father played a big part in your life. Roger and I know first hand how hard it is to lose a parent. It takes time, but soon your good memories will bring a smile.
Jeffrey Mounce
September 2, 2011
Aunt Ginger I am so sorry for your loss May God comfort all of you in your time of sorrow. Be strong and be not dismayed. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers. All my love goes out to the Hopkins family.
Karen Scorel
September 2, 2011
Ken, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Linda Wall
September 1, 2011
Love and prayers to you and your family
Diana & Roger Zitnay
September 1, 2011
Kenn and Drew and family, may you find peace and comfort from your loved ones near and far. Sending God's blessings.
Pat Whitworth
September 1, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Kenneth was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. May God bless each of you.
September 1, 2011
Debra & Family, I'm so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts & prayers, I pray the Lord will give you all strength to get through this difficult time. Your friend, Sharon Vargas
Dennis&Christine Thompson
September 1, 2011
Will always remember "Hoppy" sitting at my folks kitchen table,laughing and cuttin up playing cards. We all have a special angel watching over us.
Tracy Thompson
September 1, 2011
Virgina and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Hoppy was like another dad to me. He, Cotton and my dad were quite a trio. Thank you for sharing him with me all these years. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Tracy (Vern's daughter)
Dianne Gilliland
September 1, 2011
Dana, Jim and Colby: We were so sorry to hear of your father's passing. All of you are in our prayers. I'm sure you will miss him, but you will always have your memories to give you comfort.
All our love and prayers, Dianne and Ron
Kay Whiteaker-Haidek
September 1, 2011
Dear Opal and family, I was sorry to read about your brother. I remember him from long ago when you and Nadine were friends. It is hard to loose those we love but God has a plan for all of us. God Bless You and Your family.
Glenda Waldrop Poulter
September 1, 2011
My condolences to you all during this difficult time. Sending you hugs and prayers.
Timothy Snapp
September 1, 2011
The legacy he leaves behind is the amazing children he gifted this world with. It is with them that his loving spirit will continue to bring joy to the world. Deb and Ken....my heart goes out to you and your family. No words I can say can change the emotional rollercoaster you are experiencing, just know that I care, and know your father will be missed by so many.
Mary Jo Terry
September 1, 2011
Hoppy touched many lives in his 81 years. I am so thankful to have known him. I hope this family finds peace and comfort in the coming days. May the prayers of friends hold you securely in the arms of GOD...
Lynette Porter-Tinnel
September 1, 2011
Sending you love and prayers.
Jan Webster
September 1, 2011
Deb I am so sorry. If there is anything you need or want please let us know. We are sending love and prayers to you and your family.
Charlene and Lance McKinzie
September 1, 2011
Lance and I send our condolences to the Hopkins Family. We did not have a chance to get to know Kenneth Sr., but we have gotten to know his children. What we know by his kids is he was a very loving father, and a very hard worker. He also did a great job raising his children. We are here if you need anything. Love Lance and Charlene McKinzie
Drew Mancuso
September 1, 2011
i did not know you for very long. however i have found you to be a very thoughtful kind and generous man. it has been my privilege to have known you and your family especially kenneth. with great respect
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