Curtis L. Hopkins

My father was recently asked by his much loved and respected grandniece, Gena Julian, what he hoped his legacy will be. His third person answer: “It was a pleasure and privilege to have known him. He was well-read, always willing to listen to your side of the story, understanding, and kind. He was funny – loved jokes, and smiled a lot. It was always pleasant just to be around him. He was a great example of Frank Sinatra’s My Way.” Dad, I can only add that I will miss my best friend every day. Many of us will. Thank you for always being there, your unconditional love, and for teaching me fearlessness when standing up for the truth.

Curtis L. Hopkins was born in Filley, Missouri on December 29, 1933. The closest town, Stockton, was four to five hours away by foot, or a little over three hours by horse.

This may or may not help substantiate his oft told stories about riding his horse to a one room school house – even through the deep snow.

Curt passed away gently and with dignity at home in West Chester, PA on July 11, 2017, with his daughter and son-in-law present. The family appreciates the support from Curt’s physician, George H. Limpert, MD and the Willow Tree Hospice team. Curt traveled several interesting and rewarding paths during his life as a soldier, student, Hallmark Cards executive, Ford Mercury dealership owner, banker, pilot, and sailor. He lived in the aforementioned Filley and Stockton, MO, as well as El Paso, TX; Honolulu, HI; Grand Rapids, MI; Kansas City, MO; Raymore, MO; Chicago, IL; and West Chester, PA.

Curt was also an enthusiastic 1976 Republican National Convention delegate, who worked hard to persuade delegates from other states to support Ronald Reagan; his political persuasions were ultimately forgiven by his niece, Dayna Stone, and his daughter.

Dad, Papazon Hop, Grandfather, Pop Pop, Opa, Curt is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia (Cyd) Hopkins-Dieckmann and Pascal Dieckmann, West Chester, PA; granddaughters, Michelle More and husband Brad and their “two fine boys,” Odin and Axel, Woodbury, MN and Bella Dieckmann and partner Jeff Parcher, Capitol Heights, MD; grandsons, John Lee Hopkins (named after Curt’s father), York, PA and David Sioma and wife Leah, Wayne, PA; daughters-in law, Toni LuConic, Woodbury, MN and Nancy Sioma and husband Jim (honorary son-in-law), York, PA; sister-in-law, Jeannie Stone, Springfield, MO; and many, many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Curt; especially Larry Read, who was actually more like a brother, and his wife Iris; and Vadena K. Julian, who dearly loved her “Uncle Curtie Baby.” He is also survived by his dearest friend of over 50 years, Tom Blades, another agent provocateur, and Tom’s kind and thoughtful wife, Phoebe.

Curt was preceded in death four days short of one year by his wife, V. Bette Hopkins, to whom he was married for 63 years. They were preceded in death by their son, Curt E. Hopkins in 1986. Curt was also preceded in death by his parents, brother, and two sisters.

With very liberal (pun definitely intended) paraphrasing from Sinatra’s My Way…

You've lived a life that's full

You've traveled each and every highway

But more, much more than this

You did it your way

My omniscient Papazon Hop, I already miss you terribly.

But hey, do you know the joke about…?

Family and friends are invited to attend graveside services with military honors on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 10:00am at the Upper Octorara Cemetery, 357 Octorara Road, Parkesburg, PA 19365.

Arrangements entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home, Parkesburg, PA. Online condolences may be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com