Obituary for Larry Dean Hopkins
After 72 years of a life well lived, Larry Dean Hopkins, walked from earth into the arms of his Savior, Jesus, on January 13, 2021. Larry was born on October 12, 1948, in Chandler, Oklahoma to Carl Marvin Hopkins and Opal Ida (Tatum) Hopkins. When he was three years old his family moved to Oklahoma City. Larry began working with his hands at a young age and was a man of many talents. It seemed he could fix, repair or build almost anything. In 1978, he started Hopkins Electric Company in Oklahoma City, and officially retired January 2017, after a nearly 40 year career that he thoroughly enjoyed. Larry loved helping others and meeting new people. Not only was he a talented electrician, he was also a home builder and an inventor and developer of HB Brackets. He valued a strong work ethic and was always up for a challenge. Larry was hardworking and known for his top-notch work quality and honesty.
Although he was proud of his career, his biggest accomplishment was his role as a husband, father, grandfather and friend. In addition to his strong work ethic, faith and family unity were priorities to him. He was married 39 years to the love of his life, Phyllis, and was a family first man. He enjoyed a fulfilling personal and professional relationship with his son, Justin, who is carrying on the family business, Hopkins Electric, with the same work ethic and excellence of his dad. Larry loved his grandsons, Ethan and Caleb, who added a deep layer of joy to his life and he invested much time and love into them. He loved traveling in their motor home, cruises and a trip to Germany with family, which are treasured memories. He also loved children and was a loving, fun uncle to his many nieces, nephews and children of his friends and neighbors.
Larry was always so proud of his family and was never shy about telling everyone about them. Most of all he was a faithful follower of the Lord. He was never afraid to tell someone of God’s word. Larry was a generous person that would help anyone in need. Larry was a longtime member of Ellison Avenue United Methodist Church in El Reno, Oklahoma. If he saw a need at the church he would just see that it was done.
Larry enjoyed building and restoring street rods, muscle cars and motorcycles. He participated in different racing events at the State Fair track for many years and was an avid sprint car and NASCAR fan. He also fished several tournaments with the Fishers of Men Bass Club.
Larry will be remembered as a loving husband, proud father, doting grandfather, cherished uncle and valued friend. He will be missed by all who knew him,
He is preceded in death by: his parents; brother, Melvin Hopkins, sister Darlene Hopkins Dodson. Larry is survived by his wife Phyllis of the home; son Justin Hopkins and his fiancée Jennifer Kime, Grandsons Ethan and Caleb Hopkins as well as many loving family and friends.
Memorial donations can be made to Ellison Avenue United Methodist Church, El Reno Oklahoma, PO Box 989, El Reno, Oklahoma 73036 or Citizens Caring for Children, 793 W. Wilshire Creek Blvd., Suite 112, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116