Richard “Ric” Hopkins, age 73, was called home to his Savior on October 27, 2025.
The son of William and Mary (Gazetti) Hopkins, Ric was born in Newton, Iowa on September 5, 1952. Growing up in Colfax, Ric would walk home to the scent of his mother baking bread. After high school Ric enlisted in the Marines. He passed his physical and started sharp shooting training when an officer noticed something. Ric was right-handed, but he was shooting left-handed due to his vision. The Marines had to medically discharge Ric because of this. While in San Diego as a Marine, he boarded a Greyhound bus where he met his future wife, Lee. Ric had been recently saved by Christ, and he unknowingly turned to his future wife to show her a picture of Christ, “This guy loves you,” Ric said to Lee. He proceeded to get her phone number and called her the next weekend. They married within three months.
Together Ric and Lee raised six children and watched their family grow. Children soon became grandchildren, with recently a great-grandchild being welcomed into the family. Ric spent his adult years working as a truck driver. He preferred Peterbilts and you would not see him driving a cab over, conventional only.
Ric’s life was much greater than work. Throughout his years he created memories with his family that defined his legacy. On road trips, Dani remembers him always singing in the car, trying to get everyone to sing along and avoid boredom. Ric shared a special song with his daughter Salina; he’d always sing “Sunshine on My Shoulders” to her. Josh and Adam remember going to the Nickelodeon with him for birthdays. He was an avid sports fan, one time cheering so hard for his son John, that after 12 straight foul balls, John became so nervous he struck out. Tony also remembers skipping school to watch an iCubs game with his dad one day. One of Ric’s more impressive talents was guessing the correct gender for each of his children and grandchildren. Even technology couldn’t beat Ric. His daughter Dani was told three times by the sonogram she was going to have a girl. Ric knew and told his daughter, “Nope, you’re having a boy.” Months later, Dani had a boy. His love shone through until the very end, with his final words gently spoken: “I love you.”
Among many things, Ric was a beloved father, husband, grandpa, and elephant. Ric remained strong in his faith over the course of his life. He was saved, baptized, and loved attending church. Even through various health struggles, Ric held fast in his faith, leaning on the joy of Jesus. To Ric, faith and family were his top priorities, and he displayed that day after day.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Lee Hopkins; his children, John (Becky) Hopkins, Salina Stout, Josh Hopkins, Adam (Tiana) Hopkins, Dani (Keith) Jefferson, and Tony Hopkins; his grandchildren, Alexandrya (Preston) Strand, Dom Hopkins, Jo Hopkins, Tiffanie Stout, Clark Stout, Crissy Stout, Lex Stout, Raquel Hopkins, EJ Hopkins, Devion Jefferson, Isayah Jefferson, and Serenity Jefferson; one great grandchild, Marlowe Strand; his siblings, Bill (Ruth) Hopkins, and Deb (Gary) Dunsbergen, as well as various nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceding Ric in death were his parents, William and Mary (Gazetti) Hopkins; a beloved son-in-law, Brian Stout; and siblings, Nancy Hopkins, David Hopkins, and Randy Hopkins.
His family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Vista Woods Care Center in Ottumwa and Care Initiatives for the special care they gave to Ric.
A memorial service for Ric will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at the First Baptist Church in Colfax. After the service, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the church. Memorials may be made out to Ric’s family; checks can be made payable to Harriet Hopkins. If you are unable to attend and wish to send a card, please address it to, “Attn: Ric Hopkins, Coburn Funeral Home, 24 W Howard St, Colfax, IA 50054.”
