Ness City, Kansas

M. Gene Hopkins, age 91, left this world on Friday, April 12, 2013 at Cedar Village in Ness City. He was born March 30, 1922 in Rush County, Kansas to Arthur Joseph and Eunice Lee (Peevey) Hopkins. He was the third of five children.

In 1926, the Hopkins family moved by horse and wagon to their farm south of Utica, KS. He attended a one room country grade school, and graduated from Utica High School in 1940. He attended Fort Hays University.

In 1944, Gene joined the Navy and served in the South Pacific. After the war, he returned to his home town and met his future wife, Wilma Brown. They married May 29, 1949 and began their life on the farm where they raised four children, Pam (Dale) Peck, Lynda (Dale) Lindsley, Paula Hopkins, all of Hutchinson, KS, and James (Teresa) Hopkins of Marion, IL. Gene had wonderful memories of life on the farm both as a child and throughout his life. He was proud to raise his family on the same farmstead where he was raised. In 1981, Gene could still be found on a combine on occasion.

Gene was a member of the McKinstry-Jones American Legion Post #380, and a lifelong member of the Utica United Methodist Church. Gene enjoyed going to Utica to play cards with friends, and later being part of a new group of card players in Ness City.

Gene is survived by his wife, of the home, his children, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. His sister, Elma and brothers, Ronald and Art survive him, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by some close lifelong friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Harold. He will be greatly missed by all.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 14, 2013 from 10 am – 9 pm with family greeting friends from 2 - 4 pm. Graveside service will be Monday, April 15, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Utica cemetery with military graveside rites by Utica American Legion and Ransom VFW.

Memorial contributions may be given to Utica United Methodist Church.