Alex Hopkins

Alex Hopkins, 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Born in Austin, Texas, and the son of a U.S. Army Major, Alex was raised in a military family with three brothers and a sister. Stationed at different bases in Germany and the United States, Alex and his siblings enjoyed countless adventures together, forming bonds that would last a lifetime.

In his twenties, Alex proudly served four years in the United States Navy, including a tour in Okinawa. During his service, he attained the rank of Sergeant-at-Arms and received the National Defense Service Medal, reflecting his steady character and sense of responsibility. After completing his service, he moved to Carbondale to attend school, living with his sister Rosalie. Not long after, while attending John A. Logan College, he met Margaret, a young single mom. It was love at first sight. Within a year, they were married, and two years later, their daughter Autumn arrived to join big brother Reggie.

Alex earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from SIU and dedicated himself to providing for his growing family, building a 30-year career with the Federal Government before retiring. Though his work was often demanding, he never let the stress of the job follow him home, choosing instead to fill the household with his signature booming laugh, lots of love, and plenty of good-natured mischief.

For more than 50 years, Alex was the adoring, devoted husband to Margaret, his beloved “Dear” and “My Love.” Theirs was a true half-century honeymoon: inseparable, best friends, made for each other. He ended every call with “I love you” and never missed an opportunity to share Margaret’s virtues with anyone who would listen.

He and Margaret were constantly finding ways to enjoy every day together, whether laughing out loud while watching his favorite TV show ‘Swamp People’ or racing electric shopping carts down the aisle at Sam’s Club.

He was a staunch animal lover, from his boyhood dog, Howard, to the long line of cats and dogs who became part of the family. He also loved the outdoors, enjoying fishing, hunting, shooting, gardening, and woodworking. Friends and relatives still treasure the wooden pieces he crafted and proudly gave as gifts. When not outdoors, he was connecting with people near and far on his HAM radio.

Deeply involved in his community, Alex served as an election judge, chaplain for the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans, gun-safety instructor for youth classes, and amateur fiction writer for an outdoor magazine. Fridays often found him at his favorite sports club, where he spent time with friends honing their sportsman skills, swapping stories, and building lifelong friendships. He also proudly served as president of the club’s property for more than 40 years.

A voracious reader and student of history, especially American history and the Old West, Alex knew every actor in every Western, and his childlike passion for Cowboys and Indians sparked great discussions and debates.

His encyclopedic memory and legendary storytelling were remarkable when it came to family history. His tales of childhood travels with his siblings, the early days of building a new life with Margaret, and the many adventures of raising a young family were vivid, detailed, and alive, bringing those cherished moments back to life for everyone who listened.

He also enjoyed spirited conversations about politics and current events. Proudly a Trump supporter, yet never in a mean-spirited way, for Alex, it was always about the lively exchange of ideas and sharing perspectives with others.

Above all, Alex was a man of faith. He and Margaret shared a steadfast devotion to Our Lord Jesus Christ, and he counted many clergy among his friends in the local community.

Alex is survived by his wife, Margaret; his son Reggie; his daughter, Autumn Bloom (Jerry); his siblings, Dave, Rosalie, and Robert; beloved nieces and nephews; and countless friends who will forever cherish his laughter, generosity, and friendship. He was preceded in death by his parents, Amelia (née Senarighi) and Wayne D. Hopkins, and by his younger brother, Wayne Glenn Hopkins.

We will forever miss his booming laughter, his joyful spirit, and his rare gift for seeing the best in people in a world that too often chooses to see the worst. There will never be another Alex Hopkins. He left an indelible mark on the lives he touched and he will never be forgotten.

Funeral service will take place at 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Pastor Bruce Payne officiating. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will take place on Sunday from 12:30 pm until the time of service.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Alex, visit www.meredithfh.com