Vernon Hopkins Jr.

Vernon Hopkins Jr. passed away Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, at Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born June 26, 1932, to Meredith Ralston and R. Vernon Hopkins Sr. at Bloomfield, Missouri.

He graduated from Gray Ridge (Missouri) High School in 1950.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and completed the sonar man first class course at the U.S. Fleet Academy in San Diego in November 1951. He was assigned to the USS Bradford and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in March 1955.

Vernon was accepted to Recruit Training School for the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E in September 1955, promoted to sergeant in 1969 and finally retired as lieutenant in June 1987

He was an avid hunter, fisherman and accomplished flintknapper. He was also a 32nd-degree Mason and a member of Bethany Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Matthews Hopkins; daughters, Ramona Hopkins, Rebecca (John) Gooch, Amanda (Dean) Lynn and Rachel Lyscas; stepsons, Barry (Cheryl) Matthews and Brett (Elaine) Matthews; grandchildren, Adam and Matthew Bollinger, both of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Sarah Hopkins; stepgrandchildren, Elizabeth Roberts and Joe and Grant Matthews; four great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Helen Hopkins; father, R. Vernon Hopkins Sr.; mother, Meredith Bange; brothers, John Kenneth and Robert Fowler; and his best brother and friend, David.

A very special "thank you" to the staff at Auburn Creek Assisted Living for the wonderful, loving care provided Vernon over the last several years. The family would also like to thank Lutheran Home and Crown Hospice for their help during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Master's Program for Missouri State Troopers Association, P.O. Box 5287, Hwy. 67 N, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Liley Funeral Homes was in charge of arrangements.