Norman L. Hopkins

Norman Lee Hopkins, the youngest of ten children, son of the late David B. and Marinda J. (Davis) Hopkins, was born on April 10, 1930 in Mtn. Grove, Missouri, and departed this life on Monday, February 5, 2007 at his residence in Mtn. Grove following a short illness. He was 76 years, 9 months, and 25 days of age. Norman grew up and attended school in Mtn. Grove and served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged on September 14, 1948. He also served in the Kansas National Guard as a firefighter and was honorably discharged on January 17, 1955.
He was united in marriage to Betty Scobee on May 11, 1962 in Cabool, Missouri. They made their home in the Mtn. Grove area all their married life. Norman worked in construction as a brick mason for many years.
He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers while growing up and later in life with his children and grandchildren. Some of his fondest memories are the trips with his family on the Gasconade River at the old Randel Moore place and with his fishing buddies at Udall. Upon his retirement, he could be found at the local “Liar’s Club”, (Murphy’s) with his fellow club members and the “Rabbi.” Where he always said the fish were small and the lies were big.
Norman was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers; two sisters; one grandson; and by one great-grandson.
He is survived by his loving wife: Betty Hopkins of their home; his children: Cathy Pfeifle of Wenatchee, Washington, Betty Lathrom of Mtn. Grove, Missouri, Rick of Wichita, Kansas, Randy of Fair Grove, Missouri, Steve of Lexington, Oklahoma, Teresa Gaston of Mtn. Grove, Missouri, John of Mtn. Grove, Missouri, and Donna Eggert of Willow Springs, Missouri; one brother: Bert Hopkins of Mtn. Grove, Missouri; twenty-five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
One of the last profound words of wisdom from him for his family was “Remember, whatever you do in life, do it with your whole heart.”
Funeral services for Norman Hopkins were held Thursday, February 8, 2:00 PM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel with Rev. Jerry Ratterree and Rev. Floyd O’Guin officiating. Song selections were “Daddy’s Hands,” “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” “Love Without End,” and “Fishin’ In The Dark.” Pallbearers were Larry Hopkins, Herbert Hopkins, Mitchell Scobee, Brian Scobee, Michael Scobee, and Wayne Scobee. Honorary pallbearers were David Hopkins, Duane Duke, Lonnie Moore, and Murphy’s Barber shop gang: Dwain Murphy, Pat Murphy, Ronnie Wakefield, Charles Watson, Floyd O’Guin, Roy Hagen, Mearl Clark, Paul Bell, Jack Holland, Max Wood, Dick Mabe, Gary Gasperson, and Howard Hawkins. Full military honors were given at the cemetery by the American Legion Post 30 with Jared Moore serving as bugler. Burial was in the Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove, MO.