William Marion Hopkins

William Marion Hopkins, affectionately known as Bill or Hoppy, was born on December 14, 1931, in Hiram, Missouri. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on August 23, 2025, in St. Charles, Missouri. Bill's life was a testament to hard work, determination, and love for those around him.

A proud member of the United States Army, Bill served honorably as a Corporal, reflecting his strong sense of duty and patriotism. He went on to dedicate 36 years of his life as an engineer at McDonnell Douglas (later Boeing), where he continued serving his country in meaningful and creative ways. He took great pride in his contributions to significant United States aerospace and defense projects, which included the Gemini, Apollo and Skylab missions, as well as the production of Harpoon Block II missiles. His unwavering commitment to his job showcased his ingenuity and leadership skills.

Bill built a beautiful life alongside his beloved wife of 54 years, Dorothy, filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. He was a man who enjoyed the simple joys of life. He had a passion for the outdoors, relishing in activities such as camping, hunting and fishing. A jack-of-all-trades: his hands were often busy creating, repairing, or tinkering with things, instilling in his family a profound appreciation for self-reliance and responsibility. 

Bill is survived by his children — Tina Marie Hopkins, Vickie Sue Weber, William Mark Hopkins, Roger and Peggy Frank — and was blessed with six granddaughters, two grandsons, and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to his life. In addition to his family, Bill leaves behind cherished friends, Pete and Carol Prenger.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his parents, Otha and Stella; and his siblings, Dale, Helen, Odes, Gene, Robert, Jewel.

Bill was hardworking, tough, and sometimes a little hot-headed — but always full of heart. He had a deep love for his family's history and a strong connection to the land that meant so much to him. Bill lived life his own way and left behind stories, laughter and a legacy that won’t be forgotten. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in Bill's memory.