Bill Hopkins - LHS Class of 1954

William David Hopkins, 77, of Leavenworth went to be with the Lord on February 18, 2014. Mr. Hopkins was born on May 6, 1936 in Atchison, Kan. to William Harris and Edna May (Jacobs) Hopkins. 
He graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1954. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War. In 1958, he married his sweetheart Celeta M. (Olander) Hopkins (LHS Class of 1956), also of Leavenworth. They celebrated 55 years of marriage. Mr. Hopkins entered the insurance sales industry shortly after their nuptials. 
With his ability to communicate and his gift with people, he maintained a career in various areas of sales until discovering a niche for car sales. With his independent spirit and interest in business ownership, Mr. Hopkins started Broadhill Motors in 1968, which he owned and operated for 13 years. An interest in housing led him to building and selling homes of his own design in Leavenworth, ultimately leading him to a love for painting. He became a Paint Crew Chief for the Army Corp of Engineers on Fort Leavenworth in 1985. He retired from this position in 2000. While working for the government, Mr. Hopkins rekindled his life long passion for learning and his initial interests in a college education. He received an Associate of Arts degree from Kansas City Kansas Community College in 1989. 
Mr. Hopkins enjoyed an active lifestyle and traveling with his wife until an untimely stroke in 2001 rendered him unable to participate in previously enjoyed activities. His resilience and driving desire to stay engaged in life gave him the strength to meet the challenges he encountered over the 13 years he endured the after effects of his stroke. Family, including his pet family, meant everything to Mr. Hopkins. 
He is survived by his wife, Celeta, his three children, Debbie, Mark and Lisa, five grandchildren: Ashley, Jennifer, Allie, Stephen and Brandon, two great-grandchildren, his sister Marlene Fink (LHS Class of 1952), nieces and his family of friends. 
Visitation will be Friday, February 28 from 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be Saturday, March 1 at 11 a.m. Both services to be held at R. L. Leintz Funeral Home, 4701 10th Avenue, Leavenworth, Kan. Interment at Sunset Memory Gardens following the service. Memorials may be sent to The City Union Mission, Meals on Wheels, St. Jude's Children's Hospital or donor's choice.