Bert Eugene Hopkins

Bert Eugene Hopkins, son of the late David Benjamin and Marinda Jane (Davis) Hopkins, was born on October 11, 1923 in Mtn. Grove, Missouri and departed this life on April 13, 2009 in the St. John’s Regional Health Center in Springfield, Missouri, following a short illness. He was 85 years, 6 months and 2 days of age.
Bert grew up and attended school in Mtn. Grove. He entered the United States Army Air Corps on December 23, 1942 and was honorably discharged on December 17, 1945 as a Staff Sergeant during World War II. He later served in the United States Army from March 11, 1947 to January 24, 1950 and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant E-5.
Before going into the military, Bert was united in marriage to Maxine Sanders on October 11, 1942 in Wright County. Three children blessed this union. Following the war they lived in many places including Idaho and Occupied Japan.
They returned to the Mtn. Grove area where they were charter members of the Southside Baptist Church in 1956. They enjoyed attending services throughout the years where they made many friends.
Bert worked in construction for many years as a brick layer. He later went into law enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff from 1961 – 1962 where he worked under Sheriff Jim Baker. He was later elected Chief of Police in Mtn. Grove serving the community from 1977 – 1989. He also served as a city councilman in Mtn. Grove for ten years. During his various employments, he made many friends and enjoyed going to area coffee shops to visit.
In his younger years, Bert enjoyed being outdoors especially when fishing. He also liked to do word search puzzles to pass the time.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Maxine Hopkins on November 23, 2007; a daughter: Rebecca Hopkins; seven brothers: Aaron, Elmer, Don, Chester, Lester, Wayne, and Norman Hopkins; and by two sisters: Katherine Hopkins and Eva Harris.
He is survived by his son: Herbert Hopkins of Jefferson City, Missouri; his daughter: Megan Hopkins of Stillwater, Oklahoma; one granddaughter: Tiffanee Wojczyk and her daughter, Makayla; five step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; two special nieces: Teresa and Lorna; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him very much.


Funeral Services:
Wednesday, April 15, 2:00 PM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel.
Visitation:
Tuesday, April 14, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the funeral home chapel.
Burial:
Hillcrest Cemetery