With profound sadness, we share the passing of our beloved father, Rodney N. Hopkins on September 29, 2024. Born on August 4, 1932, to Evadna Saunders Hopkins and Raymond Hopkins in Marion, IN, he graduated from Marion High School in 1950 and began working at Atlas Foundry. In 1951, he joined the Navy to serve during the Korean War, stationed at Naval Air Station Norfolk, the USS Hornet, and in the VF103 Fighter Squadron on the USS Coral Sea. After being discharged in 1955, he returned to Atlas Foundry, where he became the pattern shop supervisor and later the owner of Marion Pattern Works.
In 1975, Rodney married the love of his life, Mary Lue Emmons. After retiring in 1994, they set out to explore the country in their RV, with their first stop in Harlingen, Texas. That was the end of them exploring the US. They became winter Texans and finally full time Texans for the last 10 years.
Rodney was musically gifted, playing several instruments and possessing a beautiful voice. He was a talented artist and craftsman, excelling in woodworking and stained glass. He maintained a bountiful garden and loved canning green beans and tomatoes.
The values Rod and Mary Lue instilled in their children and grandchildren—love, hard work, play, and honor—will always be cherished. He will be sorely missed until we meet again in heaven. Rodney had a deep Christian faith that was reflected in everything he did and said. He attended First Church of God in Marion, IN, St. James Lutheran Church in Marion, IN, and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen, TX.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Lue, in 2021, as well as his children Jeffrey Hopkins, Leazanne Bell, Linda House, and sons-in-law Darren Bell and Dan Johnson. He is survived by his children Michael Warren Hopkins, Patrick Lindsey Hopkins, Theresa Johnson, Jill (Fred) Nolting, and Robin (Jim) Gorczyca. He is also survived by his grandchildren James, Ashley, Joey, Jessica, Jeremiah, Nathan, Jennifer, Andy, Katie, Samantha, Paul, Erin, Allison, Mariah, Aaron, Ben, Kate, Brandon, and Kevin, along with 23 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many friends in Harlingen.
Visitation services will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Raven Choate Robinson Funeral Home, 1202 W Kem Road Marion, Indiana, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral service will be held Friday, October 4 at 10:00 AM with visitation 1 hour prior to services. Pastor Fred Hearn will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, Rodney requested that donations be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church at 602 Morgan Blvd., Harlingen, TX 78550.
Arrangements entrusted to Raven Choate Robinson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.ravenfh.com
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