Harold Newton, 'Newt', Hopkins, Sr, 92, of Silsbee, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2009 in his home. He was born on March 26th, 1916 in Bessmay, Texas to Ethel Newton and Harold Cobb Hopkins. His father was Mayor of Silsbee and co-owner with him of the Silsbee Ice Company.
He was married to his beloved wife, Joyce Kirgan Hopkins, for 63 years and their love and commitment to each other was evident as they enjoyed all the seasons of their lives together. They were members of First Baptist Church of Silsbee where he was a longtime member of Richard Jones' Sunday School class.
He graduated from Kirbyville High School in 1933. Scouting was a great part of his adolescence. He had advanced to the highest rank in scouting, that of Eagle Scout, at the age of 14. He was able to give the Eagle charge for one of his grandson's Eagle Court of Honor. Hopkins participated in all sports in high school becoming captain of the football and basketball teams his senior year. During his time at Lamar Junior College he played on the football team under John Gray. After finishing Lamar, he was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York by US Congressman Martin Dies. After attending the Academy, he entered the University of Texas earning a BBA degree in 1939.
He worked for Humble Oil and Refining Company (now Exxon) in the management training program. Although he had an occupational deferment from military service, he enlisted in the Army several months after Pearl Harbor. He finished Officers Candidate School and served at the Prisoner of War Camp in Mexia, Texas from 1943 to 1945 as Personnel Officer, Adjutant, and Camp Commander. He was discharged from the Army in 1946 at the rank of Captain. He was proud of serving his country and instilled in his children a love of country and interest in politics and current events.
He returned to Silsbee to enter the family owned ice business and take over operations of the Silsbee Ice Company with plants in Silsbee, Kountze, Orange and Natchitoches, Louisiana. He served as President of the Southwest Ice Association and was a board member of the National Ice Association.
He was active in service to the Silsbee community in numerous capacities. He served on the Board of Directors of the Hardin County Memorial Hospital. He was President of the Silsbee Chambers of Commerce in its early years of organization. He served on the Silsbee School Board and Board of Trustees for several terms. He was instrumental in the founding the Silsbee Country Club serving twice as club president. He faithfully served in the Kiwanis Club for 60 years and while president formed the Silsbee High School Key Club which is active today. He was named Citizen of the Year by the Silsbee Chamber of Commerce in 2003.
Hopkins is survived by his wife Joyce Kirgan Hopkins, children and their spouses, Joy Crenshaw and husband Will of Beaumont, Jane Lakey and husband Robert of Silsbee, Newton Hopkins, Jr. of Houston, and Lynn McKim and husband James of Silsbee. He had ten grandchildren: Heather Petkovsek, Will Crenshaw, Casey Crenshaw, Colby Crenshaw, Eugenia Brotherton, Newton Hopkins, III, Kirgan Hopkins, Caroline McKim, Jim McKim, and Elizabeth McKim. He had twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Winnie Caro and husband Fred of New Orleans, LA and Frances Stringer Allen and husband Andrew of Tyler, Texas.
Papa will be remembered fondly by his family for his enjoyment of the babies and small children, passion for anything burnt orange and University of Texas related, waltzing with his beautiful wife, and love of nature and dogs. He delighted in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as expressed in his ready laughter in their presence.
Those who knew him as 'Hard water' or Newt will remember him as an avid golfer, humor, quick to engage in lively political discussions, and unbridled love of country.
The family thanks the loving, dedicated caretakers, Tony Edwards, Linda Simon, and Joyleanna Williams, who provided unparalleled physical and spiritual support in the last year.
In lieu of flowers, contributions made be made to The Ice House Museum in Silsbee or the charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be at First Baptist Church in Silsbee, Texas at 2:00 P.M. February 19, 2009. Visitation will be at Farmers Funeral Home from 4:00-6:00 P.M on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. His grandsons and grandsons-in-law will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the member s of the Silsbee Kiwanis Club, Bill Barclay, Dr. George Tennison, and Dr. Raleigh Jackson., Richard Jones
