Joseph William Hopkins

Joseph William Hopkins, 102 of Arcola, IL passed away at 2:20 PM on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Haven of Arcola.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, November 28, 2025 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main St., Arcola, IL. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, at the funeral home. Joe Hackler, his grandson, will officiate. Burial will be in the Humboldt Cemetery.

Joe was born on September 2, 1923 in Charleston, IL. He was a son of James Andrew and Phebe Mae (Robinson) Hopkins. He married Sarah Elizabeth Johnson on January 6, 1945 in Charleston, IL. She passed away on May 19, 1999.

Joe is survived by four children, Larry Hopkins and his wife Marcia of Arcola, IL, Andy Hopkins of Farmer City, IL, Daryl Hopkins and his wife Tami of Sullivan, IL and Carol Hackler and her husband Rick of Arcola, IL, eight grandchildren, Daron Hopkins (Kim) of Ottawa, IL, Chad Hopkins (Sarah) of Arcola, IL, Ryan Hopkins (Melissa) of Arcola, IL, Michele Wolfe (Jim) of Arcola, IL, Courtney Hackler (Jenni) of Peoria, IL, Kellie Hall (Kevin) of Glen Carbon, IL, Joe Hackler (Amanda) of Granite City, IL, and Jillian Hopkins (Logan Rose) of Bloomington, IL, twelve great grandchildren, Dakota Hopkins (Natalie), Chelsea Hopkins, Evan Shultz (Paige), Ella Hopkins, Eva Hopkins, Austin Hopkins (Molly Mahanah), Lane Hopkins, Leland, Calvin, and Holden Hall, and Elle, and Elijah Hackler and five great-great grandchildren, Nala, Quinn and Kolsen, Lincoln, and Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one brother, Gale Hopkins, two sisters, Glenna McLane and Bonnie Sisk, and a great-great granddaughter, Stella Hopkins.

Farming was the heartbeat of Joe’s life. He worked the land tirelessly, and he took pride in his work. Alongside his father, he built homes in Arcola and engaged in hauling grain to Georgia, returning with lumber. After retiring from farming in 1985, Joe continued to lend a hand, assisting Max Carpenter during the busy spring and fall seasons.

Education was important to Joe, and he graduated from Arcola High School in 1942. His commitment to learning carried over into his family life, as he was always there for his kids, supporting their endeavors and guiding them through life’s challenges.

Joe had a passion for community involvement, demonstrated through his membership in the Charleston Horse Back Riding Club and the First Christian Church in Arcola, IL. He took immense pride in his children’s achievements, particularly their participation in 4H, where they showed cattle, sheep, and hogs. Family vacations often revolved around county fairs, where Joe dedicated many years as the sheep superintendent at the Coles County Fair.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Arcola, IL