Robert Hopkins

TRAVERSE CITY — Robert Stephen Hopkins Sr., 75, of LeRoy, formerly of Benzonia and Traverse City, died Wednesday, April 20, 2011, at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. Robert was born on Tuesday, May 21, 1935, to John and Lilian (Lewton) Hopkins in Traverse City. He entered into marriage with the former Beverly Mae Lordy on Saturday, Sept. 17, 1955, in Benzonia Congregational Church. She preceded him in death on Jan. 10, 2004.Robert had been a tool and die maker for Warren Tool and Die in Warren. He then moved to Traverse City, where he developed the subdivisions on Culver Road — Hopkins Meadows and Woodside Valley. He was a student of nutrition, studying it religiously, and then sharing his findings and knowledge with friends and family. He also had been employed as a bus driver for Benzie Central Schools and in recent years drove for BATA, where his patrons loved him and enjoyed riding with him.He was a good friend to many, was very family oriented and a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and friend.Survivors include his son, Robert "Bob" (Cindy), of Beulah; his grandchildren, Angie, Chet, Becky, Matthew, Stephen and Robert III; and a great-granddaughter, Hannah. Also surviving are his very special friend, Marjorie Wilcox, of LeRoy; his siblings, John (Arlys) Hopkins, of Washington, Mo., Marilyn Scott, of Austin, Texas, Fred (Bonnie) Hopkins, of Bunker Hill, Ill., and Richard (Margaret) Hopkins, of Kennessaw, Ga.; sisters-in-law, June Heine, of Eastpoint, and Joanne Knapp, of Traverse City; along with numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends. In addition to his wife and parents, Bob was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Amy.Funeral services will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2011, at the First Congregational Church, with the Rev. Dr. Gary Hogue officiating. Visitation will take place at the church beginning at 1:30 p.m. Entombment will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.Memorial contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice House or the Children's Playground Fund of First Congregational Church.Please share your memories of Robert with his family by way of his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.