Gene Hopkins
Godfrey |
Gene Harold Hopkins, of Godfrey, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2018, at Godfrey United Methodist Village with his family by his side.
Gene was born on June 13, 1925 in Advance, Missouri, the son of Otha and Stella (Barrett) Hopkins who have preceded him in death. He married Anna Lee (Thomas) Hopkins on September 3, 1948, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, and she survives.
Gene served in the 3rd Army in WWII as a S/Sgt under General Patton. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he served in the Constabulary in Germany.
Gene was a longtime member of The First Southern Baptist Church of Forest Homes, and also the 80th Infantry Division Association. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed going to the grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals. He loved gardening, woodworking, maintaining his farm, riding his tractor, and old time Blue Grass music. He enjoyed helping his family and would do anything for them. Gene was highly respected and loved by many. He was a disciplined, steady man, and a father figure to many outside his immediate family. His quick and witty sense of humor will be missed.
Along with his wife he is survived by his three children Kathy Steinmann of Godfrey, IL, Anna J. (Jack) Hartmann of Godfrey, IL, and David (Jennifer) Hopkins of Troy, IL; one brother William (Dorothy) Hopkins of St. Charles, MO; nine grandchildren Josh (Addy) Steinmann, Amy (Justin) Manker, Rachel (Scott) Brady, Erin (Patrick) Mallory, David (Megan) Hartmann, Daniel (Alicia) Hartmann, Lindsay (Cameron) Stuart, John Hopkins, and Stephen Hopkins; eleven great grandchildren Gabe, Hattie, Anna, Liam, Julian, Arlie, Livia, Lilianna, Lucy, Eli, Charlie, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
He is also preceded in death by two sisters Jewell Hopkins and Helen Margrave; and three brothers Dale, Odes, and Robert Hopkins.
Visitation will be from 4 pm to 7 pm Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 10 am at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto.
Burial will be at Cowan Cemetery in Lowndes, Missouri. Graveside services and military rites will take place at 2:30 pm.
Memorials may be made to D.A.V., First Southern Baptist Church of Forest Homes, and Cowan Cemetery.
An online condolence and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com .
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
