Laverne Hopkins

Laverne H. "Vern" Hopkins, 92, of Clearwater, Florida died Monday, March 2, 2015 at Brookdale at Beckett Lake in Clearwater.

He was born Jan. 31, 1923, in Herrin, Illinois, to Hersel and Maggie Bird Hopkins.

He and Grace Allene "Cherry" Hopkins were married July 24, 1947, at Mayfield, Kentucky. She preceded him in death May 8, 2006.

Vern served in the army during World War II.

He worked for General Sign of Cape Girardeau for 62 years and held the position of president. He was past chairman of World Sign Association.

He was a member of the former First Christian Church, now Abbey Road Christian Church, where he served as a deacon and was a life elder. He was a member of American Legion Post 63, Elks Lodge 639 and also a founding member of the Rotary Club West. In addition, he was a scoutmaster and was a basketball coach at First Christian Church.

Survivors include a son, Terry Allen (Liza) Hopkins of Dunedin, Florida; a sister, Elaine Hillman of Energy, Illinois; grandchildren, Stacy (Andy) Goldbeck, Ryan (Alyssa) Geohring and Nina (Nate) Epperson; and great-grandchildren, Alexandra Goldbeck, Vivian and Emelia Geohring.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, four brothers and two sisters.

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Rodger Kiepe officiating.

Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Lung Association, 1118 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139 or Abbey Road Christian Church, 2411 Abbey Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.