Funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home 5701 Highway 277 S. Abilene, Texas 79606. Interment will follow in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories with a reception to follow at the funeral home.
Richard was born on December 18, 1934 in Dinuba, California to the late Clifton F. and Mary (Warkentin) Hopson. He attended school in Turlock, CA. He went on to join the United States Marine Corps and served honorably from 1953 until 1956. During his time in the Marines, he served in the Korean Conflict stationed near the 38th Parallel. He attended Cisco Jr. College and Tarrant County Jr. College and took several courses. He married Katie Newhouse Hale in 1979 and they had 43 wonderful years together. Richard worked for the United States Post Office in Eastland, TX from 1960 until his retirement in 1999 with 40 years of service. Richard enjoyed telling stories of his mail carrier days and even long after retirement, those stories may or may not have included a person’s name, but always their address. While in Eastland, he served as an Elder at First Christian Church and after relocating to Abilene he attended Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.
Richard enjoyed woodcarving and received multiple ribbons from the West Texas Fair and Rodeo for his work. He was an avid collector of pencils, coins, stamps, hot wheels, baseball cards and celebrity photos. He faced some tough health challenges over the years and met them all with unwavering faith and a positive outlook. Richard will be remembered for his kindness, his gentle demeanor, and his peaceful soul.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jerry Hopson; and his sister-in-law, Rea Hopson. He leaves to cherish precious memories, his devoted wife, Katie Lynn Hopson; his brother, Kenneth Hopson of Mineral Wells, TX; his sister, Marie Elliott of Weatherford, TX; adopted son, Steven Hopson of Waco, TX; his stepson, Scott Hale and his wife Lori of Arvada, CO; and many nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Cancer Society to honor Richard would be a wonderful gesture.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliott-hamil.com for the Hopson family.
