Rod Hopkins

Christian husband and father, devoted Papaw, loyal friend, and respected public servant, Rod Hopkins, 74, stepped over into Heaven on Sunday, August 14, 2016. Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Edward and Lola Oxley Hopkins; brothers, Kerry “Bo” Hopkins and Kenny Wayne Hopkins, and his aunt who raised him, Gladys Hopkins DeBose. Rod is survived by his wife 51 of years, Frances Faust Hopkins; son, Scott Hopkins and wife, Lisa, of Bethany, Oklahoma; daughter, Ginger Stephens and husband, Brent, of Nacogdoches, Texas; son, Clay Hopkins of Many; five grandchildren, Jessica Jackson and husband, Kyle, Jacob Hopkins, Cade Hopkins, Hunter Stephens, and Cole Stephens; aunt, Ruby Duncan of Grand Prairie, Texas, and many loved cousins, nieces and nephews. Rod was born in Shreveport, on October 10, 1941. He moved to Many, as a young child and has been a life-long resident ever since. Rod graduated from Many High School in 1959. He met Frances in high school and they married on April 16, 1965. They made their home on Highway 6 next to Frances’ parents, where he resided until his death. His work as a public servant began shortly after he graduated high school, when Rod took a job as the caretaker at Fort Jessup State Park. Rod’s patriotism and love of America began early in his life as he served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1963 to 1969. In October 1963, Rod was hired by the U.S. Postal Service at the Many Post Office as a substitute employee. He filled in doing whatever was asked of him, sorting and delivering mail or working the window. He became a full-time employee in September 1965. After 29 years of service, Rod retired as the Assistant Postmaster in 1992. During retirement, Rod ran for public office and was elected to the Sabine Parish Police Jury and served for three terms. After sitting out for one term, he ran for re-election in 2015 and began his fourth term of office in January of this year. Rod served as President of the Police Jury for three years. Throughout his years of campaigning for public office, Rod spent countless hours going door-to-door speaking and listening to the people of his precinct. At Christmas time, you might find him delivering banana nut bread or his famous Chex mix to friends and business associates of Sabine Parish. Over the years, Rod served in a variety of community organizations and positions, including the Rotary Club, 15 years; Rotary Club president, two years; Library Board, two years; Sabine Parish Water District Board, 12 years; Hall of Fame Board, 7 years; and Sabine Parish Fair Entertainment Chair, 20 years. In 2015, he received the Sabine Hall of Fame Good Citizen Award and presided as the Grand Marshall of the Many Christmas Parade. As much as Rod enjoyed his postal career and his public service, it was his love of God, his passion for music and his beautiful voice for which he will be remembered. Rod founded The Hopkins Family Gospel Singers in 1978. The gospel-singing group performed at churches and venues all across the south. The group recorded two albums during their touring ministry, which ended in 1985. As a member of the Southwest Gospel Music Association, Rod was instrumental in bringing gospel music to Rebel State Park and to churches across Louisiana. In 2000, he brought live music to Sabine Parish when he formed the Ark-La-Tex Music Show, as well as the band, which became known as the Legends Band. This show and group continues to perform every month at the Sabine Theater. Rod gave his life to Christ as a young adult and began faithfully serving at Friendship Church of the Nazarene. Rod served in numerous ways at Friendship and on the Louisiana Nazarene District. These include Sunday School Superintendent, 15 years; Friendship Church of the Nazarene Board, Ft. Jessup Camp Meeting Board; and the Laymen’s Retreat Committee. He was awarded the Church of the Nazarene Distinguished Service Award in 1995. Rod also served as a Gideon for more than 30 years. Rod was loved and respected throughout his town, parish and state. His strong faith, deep patriotism, and humble servant heart were qualities that were evident to everyone he met. His family will remember him most for demonstrating the love of Christ, and his selfless devotion to his family and friends. He will be missed more than words can express and certainly never forgotten.