Earl A. Hopkins, age 85, of Fenwick, passed away Friday morning, August 30, 2019 at his home under the loving care of his family and Spectrum Health Hospice.  The son of Miles & Mary Hopkins, he was born on April 19, 1934 in Nashville, Michigan, however left home at a young age and was raised by two bachelor farmers, Dell Drake and Frank Hopkins.

After graduating high school, Earl was drafted and briefly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  On September 5, 1964, in Greenville, he married Ruth Jeanette Snyder and together they raised three children, enjoyed nearly 55 years of marriage, and attended Beth Haven Baptist Church. 

Earl first worked at the old Carnation plant in Sheridan, then spent 32 years with TRW.  Since high school, he operated pony rides at picnics, parties, festivals, fairs and carnivals throughout Michigan and delighted in the joy it brought to young children.  He was also a 4-H leader and founded the Fenwick 4-H Saddle Club.  An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth Hopkins of Fenwick;  their children, Daniel Hopkins of Fenwick, Patrick Hopkins of Sheridan, and Michelle & David Johnson of Stanton;  fourteen grandchildren;  five great grandchildren;  siblings-in-law, Fern Hopkins, Donna Snyder, John & Pam Snyder, and Arnold & Deb Snyder;  a very special nephew, Ervin & Julie Hopkins;  and many other dear nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation is from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday.  The Rev. Sam Robinson will officiate and burial will follow at Sunny Hill Cemetery. 

Instead of flowers, Earl would have appreciated contributions in his memory to either Spectrum Health Hospice or Beth Haven Baptist Church.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Earl's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit:  www.ChristiansenCares.com  Arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville.