Kenneth Ray Hopkins Sr.

Kenneth R. Hopkins Sr passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his beloved wife of 70 years, Evelyn Emily Hopkins on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at the age of 91. He is survived by 5 children, Kenneth Ray Hopkins Jr, William Ross Hopkins, Bonnie Spencer, Edna (PZ) Hopkins, and Roger Neil Hopkins; Sister Greta Hopkins-Davidson; 3 grandchildren, Jennifer Hopkins-Kerstetter, Ken Hopkins III, and Ross Hopkins Jr; 3 great grandchildren, Emily and Maddy Kerstetter, Cooper Hopkins, and many nephews and nieces. Ken was born and raised in Wise, Virginia, and became a long time resident of Baltimore and Laurel, Maryland. In High School, Ken was Class Valedictorian, played Varsity Football and was a Starter (Captain) on the 1941 State Championship Basketball Team. In 1943, at the age of 18, Ken enlisted in the Army Air-Corp and flew 35 combat missions in Europe on the infamous B-24 Liberator Bomber and was awarded the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and promoted from Corporal to Staff Sergeant. After his military service, Ken accomplished wide-ranging success in academics and career positions. However, his most important achievement was as a husband and father. He never stopped pursuing education and self-development as he attended VMI, Johns Hopkins University, University of Baltimore, and George Washington University. Ken earned a degree from the prestigious Johns Hopkins School of Engineering, a Law Degree from the University of Baltimore, and completed advanced work in Computer Science at GW University, where he later became an instructor. He was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1972. Ken’s working career included positions with Bethlehem Steel, Westinghouse, and the US Postal Service Executive Management for 20 years until retirement in 1992. He then became an avid computer user and aided seniors with pro-bono Legal Work, Tax Preparation, and supported the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). Ken was a long standing member of the Free Masons Grand Lodge in Baltimore, MD, and more recently of Lodge 101 in Elkridge, MD.

Ken was a devoted husband, and role model for his children. He was truly loved and will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, Inc., 7250 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge, MD 21075 (exit 6 off Rt. 100) on Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 from 12 to 2 pm where Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 at 2:00 pm. Interment Meadowridge Memorial Park, Elkridge, MD.