Joseph William Hopkins

Joseph W. Hopkins (Joe), age 93, passed away quietly at his home in McLean, Virginia Wednesday October 28. He was born December 21, 1921 in Sherman Township, Story County, Iowa to Joseph M. Hopkins (Smoky) and Edith Gladys Simson. He graduated Salutatorian of Colo High School, Colo, Iowa 1939.

Joe served in the United States Marine Corps 1944-1946, attaining the rank of Sergeant. His overseas duty in the Pacific area included a tour as a Radar Technician in China. The Marine Corps experience, travel across the United States by train to San Diego, basic training and life in war torn China provided him with a source of amusing anecdotes in later years and a life time respect for the Corps.

Following the war, Joe worked for the North Western railroad maintaining rail lines in and around Colo, Iowa during the day time, and operated a radio repair shop in the evenings. Later he began law enforcement as a Conservation Agent for the state of Iowa, then transitioned to the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service, retiring as a Supervisory Special Agent (Wildlife) and the Deputy Chief, Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Law Enforcement.

Joe enjoyed hunting, taxidermy, demonstrating shooting proficiency (Practical Pistol Course Distinguished Expert), archery and the camaraderie of competition. He loved wood working activities such as restoring and carving duck decoys, wood turning, making fine furniture, crafting rifle stocks and pistol grips and small home project construction. He appreciated the art form and utility of well-crafted tools and guns. An avid traveler, Joe enjoyed trips to Europe, Paris in particular, for the art, architecture and atmosphere.

Joe was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Barbara, partner in life and best friends for over 20 years. He is survived by his wife Barbara Bowman Hopkins, stepdaughter Allyn Turner Long (Rick) of Warrenton, VA., and six sons – David (Susan) of Nicholasville, KY., Lawrence (Debbie) of Hudson, IL., Charles (Pauline) of Lancaster, WI., Geoffrey (Gail) of Bedford, VA., George (Cindy) of Chippewa Falls, WI., John (Pam) of Oshkosh, WI., 15 Grandchildren, and 8 Great Grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to his devoted caregivers.

Funeral service will take place at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, Virginia on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 3:00pm. Interment to follow at Arlington National Cemetery.