Funeral services for Mr. Frank S. Hopkins, Jr. will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Reeder-Davis Chapel. Burial with full military honors will follow at Cornett Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. There will be a time of visitation from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Frank Hopkins, Jr., passed away at the age of 83 on November 21, 2023. He led a full life rich with family, service, and adventures.
Born on January 15, 1940, in Texarkana, Arkansas, Frank always considered Hughes Springs, Texas, to be his hometown. There, at Hughes Springs High School, he met LaVerna June Hayes. The captain of the football team and head cheerleader married on September 26, 1958, beginning a life together that spanned 62 years, until June’s death in 2020.
Frank enlisted in the Air Force in 1962, reaching the rank of Senior Master Sergeant by his retirement 20 years later. He continued his career in government service until 1992, then returned to his hometown of Hughes Springs, where he retired with wife June on their beautiful estate just outside town.
Throughout his adult life, Frank left a legacy of artwork, painting in various media and adapting his techniques to his changing physical abilities. He also enjoyed traveling, taking full advantage of all the opportunities afforded to members of the armed forces. Post-retirement, he enjoyed traveling by cruise ship with his wife, June, and often with other family members. He will also be remembered for his gardening abilities, sharing his produce with family and friends. Lucky are those who received a jar of his pickles or “dilly beans”. Frank was also a consummate storyteller, drawing from his life experiences to entertain many listeners with stories from his military exploits, to his encounters with Bigfoot.
Frank is survived by daughter Dawn (“Debbie”) and her husband, Ben; sons John Russell (“Rusty”), and Frank Eric (“Ric”)and his wife, Michelle; grandson Hunter, granddaughters AnnMarie (“South”) and Lily; six sisters, Nancy Winters (Fred), Mary Callas, Barbara Murphy (Jimmy), Margaret Dobbs, Maurine Raible (Mike), Teresa Judd (Mike); two brothers, George Hopkins (Colleen) and Patrick Hopkins; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He participated in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (link below)
Services
Visitation: November 30, 2023 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Reeder-Davis Funeral Home - Hughes Springs
1213 Hanes Blvd
Hughes springs, TX 75656
Funeral Ceremony: November 30, 2023 2:00 pm
Reeder-Davis Funeral Home - Hughes Springs
1213 Hanes Blvd
Hughes springs, TX 75656
I was stationed in the Republic of China (Taiwan) with Frank while in the Air Force. Frank was a good friend. We shared e-mails and photos of our time in Taiwan so many years ago. He will be missed. Rest in Peace, brother. Thank you for your service to our country.
Frank was married to my cousin June. I considered him cousin also. He and I shared our art interest. He was a great artist. He served his country proudly. Rest in peace my friend.
Please accept our deepest condolences. Kat & Bruce
With love