Pete Hopkins

James Peter “Pete” Hopkins

Pete was born on October 19, 1938, to Orbie Estel Sr. and Ruth Kathlyn “Emmert” Hopkins at the family home at 201 Pearl Street in Poteau, Oklahoma and entered the Gates of Heaven with celebration on Saturday February 22, 2025.

Pete grew up in Poteau, and attended the Poteau Public Schools, graduating in 1956. It was during high school that Pete discovered his love of art and journalism. Throughout high school, Pete was on staff of the high school newspaper, The Static, and also on the yearbook committee, The Potonian. His hard work paid off, as He was editor of the school newspaper, and art editor of the yearbook his senior year.

Pete enlisted in the Oklahoma Nation Guard while in high school and served for 10 years, earning the rank of Sergeant First Class before ending his enlistment.

Pete enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and water skiing. Pete was also an avid collector of coins and magazine ads. Throughout his life, Pete loved to play cards, whether around a table with friends, or at the casino. Pete was a skilled poker player crafting a Royal Flush and winning Bad-Beat at the casinos. Of course, photography was also a hobby of his for many years. This past year he has enjoyed game nights and teaching the great grandkids how to play different card games.

Pete married Kathleen on Saturday, September 26, 1970, in the Rose Chapel of Boston Avenue Methodist Church. This year they would have celebrated 55 years of marriage. Shortly after becoming married, the family grew and included Jim, Ronnie, KaLyn, Brent, and Shasta. Each one had adventures, activities, and noteworthy events the whole family participated in. The Alaska Trip in 1984 is a memorable vacation that is often talked about.

Pete always enjoyed going to activities and events of the kids, grandkids and great-grand kids. Holidays, birthdays, and summer reunions were special times the family would get together and celebrate.

Pete is also a Prostate Cancer survivor.

One of the hobbies Pete and Kathleen started several years ago, was looking into their genealogies. They began tracing their family roots and learning about the past. This became very important to them, so much so, that Pete began his biography in 1900 with his great-grandparents to give us a better understanding of the Hopkins family tree.

Pete was Preceded in death by:
Grandparents, Lillie and Hulbert Hopkins and Martha and William Emmert.
Parents, Orbie Sr. & Ruth Hopkins.
Sister, Genia Dickerson.
Brother, Orbie Hopkins Jr.,
Son, James “Jim” Hopkins.
Daughter in Law, Kari Hopkins.

Pete is Survived by:
Wife, Kathleen Hopkins
Son: Ronnie and wife Lavonna Hopkins
Daughter: KaLyn and husband Danny Burris
Son: Brent Hopkins
Daughter: Shasta Belty and Fiancé Scott Wilson

Grandkids:
Christian and wife Julia Hopkins, Jamie Hopkins
Erin Davis, Rachael Hopkins, Jessica Hopkins, Samantha Hopkins
Danielle Belden, DJ and Kenna Burris
Chris and Kelly Mathews, Dharma Hopkins
Brandon and Tori Belty, Tyler Belty, Morgan Wilson

**Great Grandkids:
Chloe Hopkins, Izzy Hopkins, Tinlei Anselmo, Nicholas Anselmo, Mattie Helton
Madelyn Davis, Parker Davis
Remington Belden, Ryder Belden, Reiny Belden, Lilth “Lily” Burris, Walker Burris
Sirrah Mathews, Cheyanne Hyslop, Alainah Mathews, Kristina Mathews
Parker Belty, Arlie Wilson

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Central Christian Church, Welcome Table, 1111 W. Broadway Ave., Enid, OK 73073, or to the Poteau High School Alumni ‘Pete’s Dream’ Fund, PO Box 803, Poteau, OK 74953.