Pete grew up in Poteau, and attended the Poteau Public Schools, graduating in 1956. It was during high school that Pete discovered his love of art and journalism. Throughout high school, Pete was on staff of the high school newspaper, The Static, and also on the yearbook committee, The Potonian. His hard work paid off, as He was editor of the school newspaper, and art editor of the yearbook his senior year.
Pete enlisted in the Oklahoma Nation Guard while in high school and served for 10 years, earning the rank of Sergeant First Class before ending his enlistment.
Pete enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and water skiing. Pete was also an avid collector of coins and magazine ads. Throughout his life, Pete loved to play cards, whether around a table with friends, or at the casino. Pete was a skilled poker player crafting a Royal Flush and winning Bad-Beat at the casinos. Of course, photography was also a favorite hobby for several years, especially with the kids, grandkids, and great-grand kids.
Pete married Kathleen on Saturday, September 26, 1970, in the Rose Chapel of Boston Avenue Methodist Church. This year they would have celebrated 55 years of marriage. Shortly after becoming married, the family grew and included Jim, Ronnie, KaLyn, Brent, and Shasta. Each one had adventures, activities, and noteworthy events the whole family participated in.
The Alaska Trip in 1984 is a memorable vacation that is often talked about. Pete always enjoyed going to activities and events of the kids, grandkids and great-grand kids. Holidays, birthdays, and summer reunions were special times the family would get together and celebrate.
Pete is also a Prostate Cancer survivor.
One of the hobbies Pete and Kathleen started several years ago, was looking into their genealogies. They began tracing their family roots and learning about the past. This became very important to them, so much so, that Pete began his biography in 1900 with his great-grandparents to give us a better understanding of the Hopkins family tree.
Pete was Preceded in death by: Grandparents, Lillie and Hulbert Hopkins and Martha and William Emmert. Parents, Orbie Sr. & Ruth Hopkins. Sister, Genia Dickerson. Brother, Orbie Hopkins Jr., Son, James “Jim” Hopkins. Daughter in Law, Kari Hopkins.
Pete is Survived by: Wife, Kathleen Hopkins Son: Ronnie and wife Lavonna Hopkins Daughter: KaLyn and husband Danny Burris Son: Brent Hopkins Daughter: Shasta Belty and Fiancé Scott Wilson
Grandkids: Christian and wife Julia Hopkins, Jamie Hopkins Erin Davis, Rachael Hopkins, Jessica Hopkins, Samantha Hopkins Danielle Belden, DJ and Kenna Burris Chris and Kelly Mathews, Dharma Hopkins Brandon and Tori Belty, Tyler Belty, Morgan Wilson
**Great Grandkids: Chloe Hopkins, Izzy Hopkins, Tinlei Anselmo, Nicholas Anselmo, Mattie Helton Madelyn Davis, Parker Davis Remington Belden, Ryder Belden, Reiny Belden, Lilth “Lily” Burris, Walker Burris Sirrah Mathews, Cheyanne Hyslop, Alainah Mathews, Kristina Mathews Parker Belty, Arlie Wilson
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Central Christian Church, Welcome Table, 1111 W. Broadway Ave., Enid, OK 73073, or to the Poteau High School Alumni ‘Pete’s Dream’ Fund, PO Box 803, Poteau, OK 74953.
Pete’s obituary may be found on the DillonCares Website by clicking HERE.
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