Kenneth Ray Hopkins

Kenneth Ray Hopkins, 86, of Henderson, NV, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025. Born in Henrietta, OK, on November 27, 1938, Ken was a dedicated family man, a problem solver, and a true servant of his community who brought light into every room he entered. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his deep love of life.

Ken’s childhood was marked by hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit that would define his life. After his family moved from Oklahoma, he lived with his grandparents in Olivehurst, CA. As a boy, he sold vegetables from a red wagon and picked peaches at local orchards to help his family. This inherent drive continued into adulthood; he painted houses, helped the elderly with seasonal chores like managing swamp coolers, and even created a new homeowner’s welcome kit with small tools. He was a prime example to his family, teaching them the value of hard work and the rewards of service.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, where he was a sharpshooter (rifle) and a specialist in field communications, honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

Ken began his career in banking early, starting as a teller at Bank of America. His exceptional people skills and dedication saw him advance rapidly, eventually becoming a loan officer and a successful branch manager.

After retiring from the banking industry, Ken pursued his passion for woodworking, working at Huck's Cabinets where he built custom cabinets and bookshelves for Borders bookstore. His knowledge and efficiency were legendary; his skill was so impressive that the company once videotaped his process for building a soundly constructed retail shelving display unit in significantly less time than standard. His commitment to service never wavered.

Ken volunteered constantly throughout his life. A highlight of his community involvement was playing the role of Santa Claus for 18 years at the annual Christmas party at Stockton State Hospital. In a memorable moment during this time, First Lady Nancy Reagan once sat on his lap while her husband was still Governor of California, telling Santa she wanted her husband to win the Presidency—a wish that came true. In his retirement, Ken enjoyed traveling with his wife, Mary, and their friends Wendy and Jay. He particularly cherished time spent in Bodega Bay, CA, and Lake Tahoe.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Harvey Hopkins and Bertha Mae Durant; his stepfather, Earl McCormick; his sister, Marion Dickinson; her son, Dennis Dickinson; his beloved grandparents, his uncle, Charles Espinoza, and his aunt, Shirley Wood. He is survived by his sweetheart and wife, Mary Kathryn Hopkins (Robbins); his former wife, Shirley Hopkins (Graybill); his sons, Curtis Wayne Hopkins (Angie) and Norman Ray Hopkins (Deanna); his stepson, Brian Hull (Kristine); his sister, Bonita Reynaga (Gil); his grandchildren, Charas Chapin (Brian), Jeremiah Hopkins, Brandon Hopkins (Chelci), Bryce Hopkins (Sarah), Kristi Wood (Brian), Katie Hull (Ben), Aaron Hull, Lauren Gallagher (Dane), Justin Black (Cierra); 13 great-grandchildren; his aunts, Patricia Banta, Lola Brown, and Pearl Flores; and his nephew, Tom Dickinson.

To honor Ken’s wishes, the family will not be holding any scheduled services.