Lyndell L Hopke

Lyndell L. Hopke, age 91, of Vandalia, MO passed away at 2:19 pm Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Tri-County Care Center in Vandalia.  

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the Waters Funeral Home. Pastor Jamie Franke will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens. 

Visitation celebrating Lyndell's life will be held 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Monday May 8, 2023, at the Waters Funeral Home. 

Lyndell was born on November 7, 1931, in Middletown, MO the son of Edward Henry and Ona (Stroker) Hopke, Sr.

Lyndell was united in marriage to Reba Mae Hatfield on June 10, 1956, she preceded him in death on July 31, 2004.  He later was united in marriage to Martha Rathburn on July 25, 2009, she preceded him in death on August 3, 2022.

Survivors include his sons, David Hopke (Vicki), Dale Hopke (Marilyn), Dan Hopke (Donita) and Dwayne Hopke all of Vandalia, MO; daughters, Dianne Carr (Brian) of Farber, MO and Deanna Burnett (Bruce) of Gazette, MO; sister-in-law, Wilma Hopke of Laddonia, MO; fifteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren with one on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

In addition to his parents and wives, Mr. Hopke was preceded in death by four brothers, Wilford Hopke, Edward H. Hopke, Jr., N. Burton Hopke and J.W.  Hopke; and great-granddaughter, Emma Hopke.

Lyndell graduated from Vandalia High School and went on to further honorably serve his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.

Professionally Lyndell worked at Harbison-Walker Refractories and farmed.

Lyndell was a man of faith that worked hard to provide for his family.  Before and after work at the brick plant, Lyndell would attend to his livestock and farming chores everyday.  Away from his love of working, Lyndell enjoyed horseback riding, coon, fox and rabbit hunting all in his younger years. He cherished the companionship of his German Shepherds he had raised over the years.  Later in life he become a avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.  After becoming a grandfather, Lyndell cherished the time spent with and attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's event and activities they were achieving in.  Mr. Hopke's biggest trait was the love for his family, he also was very honored to have all his children live within a 10 mile radius of his home for when he was in need of a hand.

Mr. Hopke was a member of the First Christian Church of Vandalia and was previous member of the Vandalia VFW and Tri-County Saddle Club.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Hopke, Justin Hopke, Jared Hopke, Jeff Hopke, A.J. Hopke, Drake Hopke, Andrew Fletcher and Austin Burnett

Memorial contributions may be made to Tri-County Care Center Activities Fund, in care of Waters Funeral Home. 

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Lyndell's memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com