Lawrence "Larry" "Jivey" Hopkins

On Friday, May 27, 2011, God welcomed home one of his beloved, Lawrence (Larry, Jivey) V. Hopkins. He was born on June 29, 1950 in Springfield, IL to Geraldine and Raymond Hopkins, who preceded Larry in death. In 1987, Larry married Terry Kay Williams Nagel in Springfield, IL. Larry graduated from Lanphier High School in Springfield after having spent some of his youth in Athens, IL. Larry was later a member of the 183rd Tactical Fighter Group in the Illinois Air National Guard. He was employed by the State of IL in different capacities for 33 years, with his most recent being the last 22 years working for the State Comptroller’s Office. By trade he was a printer. He enjoyed and took great pride in his work. He was a member of Elks Lodge #158.
Larry is survived by his wife, Kay of Springfield. He has three sons: Karry C. Hopkins of Springfield, IL, First Sergeant Clayton P. Nagel (wife Dawn) of Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, Russell W. Nagel, Jr. (wife Tara) of Springfield, IL; and one daughter: Jodie A. Nagel (fiancée Damon Williams) of Springfield, IL; a foster son, Richard D. Johnson of Springfield, IL and a foster daughter, Cheri Williamson (husband Jason) of Newark, AR. There are seven grandchildren: Ona M. Nagel, Page E. Nagel, Carli N. Nagel, of Springfield, IL, Aaron D. Nagel, Jade E. Nagel of Ft. Leonard Wood, MO Kalyn M. Medley, and Hannah R. Medley of Springfield, IL, one great-granddaughter Christina J. M. Beard and soon to be granddaughter Mia Williams. There are also five foster grandchildren: Richard Johnson, Jr. and Zyra Johnson both of Springfield, IL and Azleigh, Ayden and Axton Williamson all of Newark, AR. There is one godson: Benjamin Schenk of Springfield. There are three surviving sisters: Joyce (husband Lee) Beare of Sherman, IL, Cynthia Jones of Springfield, IL and Goldena Shanlee of Athens, IL, along with one brother: William (wife Kim) of Springfield, IL.
Larry was a loving husband who looked forward to renewing his wedding vows every five years. He was a wonderful father who took immense pride in all of his children and their accomplishments, a very loved grandfather, known as Papa Jivey by not only his grandchildren but many, many other children. Spending time with the children was his greatest joy in life. He took great pleasure attending sports, dance and other activities or just playing cards or fishing with the children. Larry was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan as well as a fan of the University of Illinois’ fighting Illini. Larry Enjoyed playing softball and had played all of his adult life in one league or another including the Springfield Lake League and continued to play in his senior league until the day he got sick. Another passion was playing horseshoes for the Elks Lodge #158. Larry bowled for many years in each of the bowling houses in Springfield. Another joy in his life were his beloved cats: Jeremy who passed on and Dottie, his constant companion. Larry never knew a stranger and will be sadly missed by many.
Memorial Gathering: 5 – 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Staab Funeral Home. A prayer service will begin at 5:00 p.m. and military honors will follow at 5:15 p.m.
Memorial Mass: 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 2, 2011 at St. Patrick’s Church with Reverend Kevin Laughery officiating.
Donations can be made in Larry’s memory to the American Cancer Society or St. John’s Hospice