M.E. Hopkins' Obituary
M.E. Hopkins passed away on March 6, 2019. Left behind to cherish his memory was his loving wife of 62 years Patricia June Hopkins until her own passing in 2024. His daughter Lisa Hopkins, and his granddaughter Lauren Ballard remain. His beloved grandson, Ian Riley passed away at the age of fourteen. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ernest, Dean and Fred Hopkins. Three of his nephews survive, Danny, Steve and Earl Hopkins.
M.E., who went by the name of Hop, was born February 4, 1928, in Grove Oklahoma, the son of Maecenas and Betty Crook Hopkins. After graduating high school in 1945 he served in the Army Air Corp. He was assigned as a weatherman during the occupation of Tokyo. Taking advantage of the GI bill he enrolled at the University of Arkansas where he obtained a bachelor's and master's degree in geology. He then received a PhD in geology at the University of Illinois. Hop was a member of several honor societies including Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Gamma Epsilon, Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Xi. His first professional job was as a professor of geology at the University of Tulsa. While there he met and married the love of his life, Patricia Clardy. After eight years he returned to Illinois to work as a member of the Illinois Geological Survey Coal Section, which after several years he headed. Hop then went into consulting as a partner for the Harry Williamson firm. He subsequently joined Peabody Coal Company as head of their research division. He worked there until his retirement. During his career Hop traveled the world making many friends along the way. Wherever Hop worked he brought his charm and enthusiasm, and he was often called a ray of sunshine by his colleagues. Hop and Pat retired to Fayetteville in 1997 to be near family.
Hop and Pat faced a major family issue. Their grandson Ian Riley was born with severe developmental challenges. They rallied round their daughter’s family providing tremendous support, both emotional and financial. Without them the lives of Lisa, Lauren and Ian would have been very difficult but they were there through thick and thin equally sharing joys and disappointment. No one could have had better parents and grandparents.
Memorial services will be March 5th, 2:00 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville. To leave an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com. Cremation arrangements are by Nelson-Burna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.
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