Robert Euell Hopkins, 71, of Riverton died on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at Grape Community Hospital after an extended illness. He was born on Sept. 28, 1936 in Monroe, Neb., the son of Herschel Euell and Alverna P. (Illian) Hopkins.

He attended school in Riverton and graduated from Riverton High School with the class of 1955. During his junior year, he joined the National Guard and served his country from 1954 to 1964. On July 17, 1960 he married Caroline Ann Driever at the Sidney Methodist Church in Sidney, Iowa.

Bob worked at American Meter in Nebraska City as the division traffic manager for over 42 years. Following his retirement he could often be seen running parts for his son Brent at Carquest. He enjoyed playing Santa for his former co-workers’ children and other children.

He was also a longtime member of the Riverton Volunteer Fire Department, the Elks Club and the Eagle’s, both in Nebraska City. He was a member of, and active in, the United Methodist Church in Riverton.

He is survived by his wife, Caroline, of the home; sons, Brad Hopkins and wife Carla of Norwalk, Iowa, and Brent Hopkins and wife Terry of Riverton; five grandchildren, Taylor, Kyle, and Cole Hopkins and Tanya and Travis Chapin; a sister, Lavonne Sharp of Riverton; mother-in-law Doris Driever of Nebraska City; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Leola Brown, in October of 2003.

A memorial service will be held at the Riverton United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m. Family visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 9, at the Shull-Gude Funeral Home in Riverton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Hopkins Community Memorial Fund, which will be established to provide funds for community organizations for community betterment projects.

Shull-Gude Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.