81R20594 JKB-D
By: Hamilton H.R. No. 1380
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Citizens of Silsbee lost a respected civic and
business leader with the passing of Harold Newton Hopkins on
February 17, 2009, at the age of 92; and
WHEREAS, Born in Bessmay on March 26, 1916, to Ethel Newton
and Harold Cobb Hopkins, "Newt" Hopkins attained the rank of Eagle
Scout at the age of 14 and graduated from Kirbyville High School in
1933; he studied at Lamar Junior College and the United States
Military Academy at West Point before enrolling at The University
of Texas and earning a bachelor's degree in business
administration; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hopkins worked for several years at Humble Oil
and Refining Company before answering his nation's call to duty
with service in the U.S. Army during World War II; he served as
personnel officer, adjutant, and camp commander at Camp Mexia in
East Texas; and
WHEREAS, Following his military service, Mr. Hopkins
returned to Silsbee and found employment in the family ice
business; he eventually took over operations of the Silsbee Ice
Company, and he was a member of the board of the National Ice
Association and served as president of the Southwestern Ice
Association; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed community leader served his fellow
citizens in numerous capacities through the years; he was president
of the Silsbee Chamber of Commerce and the Silsbee Kiwanis Club, and
he was a founder and president of the Silsbee Country Club; in
addition, he was a member of the local school board and the board of
directors of Hardin County Memorial Hospital, and he was named
Citizen of the Year by the Silsbee Chamber of Commerce in 2003; and
WHEREAS, A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Mr.
Hopkins married the former Joyce Kirgan and the couple enjoyed 63
rewarding years together; they raised a loving family that grew to
include 4 children, Joy, Jane, Newton, and Lynn, as well as 10
grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins were
longtime members of the First Baptist Church of Silsbee; and
WHEREAS, Newt Hopkins was a passionate supporter of The
University of Texas and he took great delight in playing golf,
discussing politics, and spending time with his family; in all of
his endeavors, he exhibited a vibrant sense of humor and an
endearing zest for life, and he will be remembered fondly by all
those fortunate enough to share in his company; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Harold Newton
Hopkins and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to
his wife, Joyce Kirgan Hopkins; to his children, Joy Crenshaw and
her husband, Will, Jane Lakey and her husband, Robert, Newton
Hopkins, Jr., and Lynn McKim and her husband, James; to his
grandchildren, Heather Petkovsek, Will, Casey, and Colby Crenshaw,
Eugenia Brotherton, Newton Hopkins III, Kirgan Hopkins, and
Caroline, Jim, and Elizabeth McKim; to his sisters, Winnie Caro and
her husband, Fred, and Frances Allen and her husband, Andrew; to his
12 great-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and friends;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Newt
Hopkins.