David Lemuel Hopkins passed away at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, Ca. on May 22, 2019. He was 80 years old.

Dave, as he liked to be called, was born August 1, 1938, in Gillette, Wyoming to Sheridan and Noreen Augusta (Carlson) Hopkins. He moved to Story, Wy. as a child where he earned the Eagle Scout Award and a Presidential Medal for losing a canoe race in order to save another's life.

He graduated from Sheridan High School, then joined the Air Force and became a Chinese translator and pilot with the highest rank of Captain. After Military service he received his Bachelor of Arts from University of Denver, and a Masters from University of Wyoming. Taking a teaching job in La Habra he moved to California with his family to start a profession in teaching. He wanted to be able to "touch" as many people as possible. Dave taught Elementary and Jr. High until he earned his Master of Science from California State College, Fullerton and eventually became a Professor and Dean of Communications for Rio Hondo College in Whittier, Ca. from 1971 to 1997. Along with teaching he and a partner ran a Reading Clinic.

He was an artist with several paintings winning in Juried shows. He enjoyed sports such as biking and golf along with being a Scout Master. He retired to Story, Wy. and The Oasis CC, Palm Desert, CA. with his wife of 40 years, Verne M. (Hambury) (Wright) Hopkins.

David is survived by his Natural, Adopted and Step Children; Sheridan J. (Hopkins) Oberbeck and Joseph D. Hopkins, Carol A. (Hopkins) Abdallah, Leon H. A. Hopkins, John M. Wright IV and Nikole L. (Wright) Heredia; his wife Verne and former wife Janet E. Hanselman; 9 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandson.

Dave was preceded in death by his Parents, Sister and Brother.

Dave lived life fully "one day at a time" and enjoyed his many friends. He will be remembered and loved by the many people he did get to "touch" for his kindness, storytelling, dancing, fun loving heart and sometimes his quiet soberness.

There will be a Celebration of Life at The Oasis CC in Palm Desert, CA. this coming fall in remembrance.

The Sheridan Press - June 4, 2019.