Paul Edwin Hopkins
Paul was born to Edwin and Lulu (Kelly) Hopkins on the family farm near Cherryvale, Kansas on August 6, 1924. He was one of three sons and seven daughters born to Edwin and Lulu.
Paul passed from this life on Father's Day, June 16, 2024. He would have been 100 on August 6.
Paul is predeceased by his parents, his infant daughter Dee Ann Hopkins, his wife Virginia Faulkenbury Hopkins, and siblings John, Glenn, Edith Maples, Wilma Bastian, Lena Benzel, Mildred Bowman, Blanche Hearsh and Jane Duvall.
Paul spent his early life on the family farm. He graduated from Cherryvale High School in 1942. After his marriage to Virginia, Paul spent the next few years tending the family farm while his brothers were serving in World War II. He and Virginia moved to Tulsa in 1946. Paul learned the upholstery business while they lived with Virginia's sister and her husband.
In Tulsa Paul was employed by Chairs, Hannah's and Cathey's Furniture Companies, where he installed draperies and upholstered furniture. Later he learned interior design from Jack Wager Interiors. He had a very creative eye for color and patterns. His work with Jack Wager led him to assist many prominent Tulsans with home decorating projects. He also assisted with commercial projects with Planning Design. He retired from Campbell Design, where he was a renaissance man-involved with every aspect of the business.
Paul assisted his wife with "Virginia's Boutique" for several years. Many Tulsa brides and their families were the recipients of his creativity. After retirement from Campbell Design, he and Virginia worked together decorating model apartments throughout the nation. They also enjoyed traveling to Europe, Hawaii, and taking cruises with special friends.
Paul loved to bowl, and in 1957 he earned a Singles Championship trophy and was an All Events Champion in the Tulsa Bowling Association. Later in life he enjoyed golf. His claim to fame was shooting a hole-in-one and scoring his age (91).
Paul and Virginia enjoyed working with the youth at their church. They spent many years leading the church's youth group and traveling with them on mission trips. They also participated in small groups at the church-developing many close friends.
Paul was a quiet, kind, and unassuming man who loved his family, his friends, and his Lord. His last wish was to "go home." And he is now home with his heavenly Father.
Paul is survived by his sister Doris Morris of Michigan; his daughter Paula and husband Mark Peterson of Tulsa; his grandchildren Tara Peterson Johnson and husband Lance of Shawnee, Kansas; and Christopher Mark Peterson and wife Catherine of West Orange, New Jersey. Also surviving are three great grandchildren: Charles, Augustine and Beatrice Peterson. He will also be fondly remembered by several nieces, nephews, and many friends.
The family is thankful for those family members and friends who visited Paul during his last days. Remembrances and memorial gifts may be made to: Oklahoma Parkinson's Alliance, 7134 S. Yale, Suite 212, Tulsa, Ok 74136 or Spirit Life Church, 5345 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa, OK 7410553Tulsa, Oklahoma