Ronald George Hopkins, 86, of Salina, Kansas, died on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at the Salina Regional Hospital in Salina, Kansas.

Ronald was born on April 13, 1931, in Utica, Kansas, the son of Arthur J. and Eunice (Pevey) Hopkins.  Ronald grew up in Utica and graduated from Utica High School in the class of 1949.  After high school, he attended Ft. Hays State University receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and a Master Degree in Educational Administration. After earning his degrees he served his country as a corporal in the US Army specializing in Infantry Operations and War Dog training.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Sylvia Jo "Jody" Brethauer on August 04, 1957,  in Russell, Kansas.  From this union Ron and Sylvia were blessed with 3 sons George, Greg and Grant.  In 1955, Ron took a job with Russell High School as a physical education teacher and coach of football, basketball and track.  In 1967, he left Russell to accept a position in Garden City, Kansas, with the Garden City Community College where he worked for 20 years serving primarily as Dean of Student Services and 2 years as GCCC baseball coach.  In 1987, he took a position as Director of Financial Aid at Pittsburg State University, retiring in 1996.  He and Jody moved to Salina in 2002.  They attended the Methodist Church and he was also a member of the U.S. War Dog alumni and the American Legion.  He enjoyed gardening and researching family history but was most passionate about coaching, especially when coaching his sons.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving family include his wife Jody of the home, sons George Hopkins (Lori) of Garden City, Kansas, Greg Hopkins (Stephanie) of Twinsburg, Ohio and Grant Hopkins of Wichita, Kansas; sister Elma Castor of Acworth, Georgia; 5 grandkids Mitch, Matthew, Beau, Spencer and Erika and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers Harold, Art and Gene Hopkins.

A memorial service to celebrate Ronald's life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Michael Eurit officiating.  Cremation has been selected by the family and inurnment of the remains will follow the memorial service at the Russell City Cemetery.  Military rites will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.  Family will greet guests from 9 A.M. to service time the day of the service.  Memorials may be given to the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the memorial service.