David Hopkins

A Celebration of Life Service for David “Pete” Hopkins, 69, of Enid, will be held 2:00pm, Thursday, April 21, 2022 in the Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Eric Keller officiating. Service and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.

David Lee Hopkins was born to James “Red” and Billie (Jones) Hopkins in Enid at St. Mary’s Hospital on January 9, 1953, and passed away April 7, in his loving wife’s arms at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

Pete attended Enid Public Schools, graduating from Enid High School in 1971. In the early seventies, Pete was the drummer for the popular country-western band “The Summer Sunsets”, with Buck Goucher, Billy Powell, and Johnny Ragsdale.

He married the love of his life, Gayla Lynn Smith, on January 25, 1975. They enjoyed camping and fishing all over the eastern part of Oklahoma, but especially Lake McMurtry.

Pete worked for Kenneth V. Smith Construction building homes in the Enid area. He was the Head Cook for the Next Door Restaurant and Garfield Grill for eighteen years before accepting a position with Atwood’s Tire Center before retiring.

Pete was active in Cub Scouts, serving as Cub Master for pack 24 of North Enid. He was also involved in the First United Methodist Church Troop 11, his son’s Boy Scout Troop. Pete enjoyed stock car racing and was Lead Pit Boss for his brother Richard “Pooder” Hopkins Number 21 car. They collected seven consecutive street stock championships.

Another family activity was the traditional Hopkins/Skinner Halloween Haunted House. Pete participated for over twenty years lending his carpentry skills and imagination. Although confined to a wheelchair later in life, he continued to enjoy being a spook for Halloween.

Pete appreciated all types of music, but rock and roll was his favorite genre. He loved to cook, watch OSU football and professional golf. Pete enjoyed the time that he spent with his grandchildren immensely, and one particular old scruffy cat named “Yellow”. One of his fondest memories was having four o’clock coffee with his mother before her passing.

Pete is survived by his wife of 47 years, Gayla Hopkins; daughter, Heather Smith of Alma, Arkansas, son, David “Tuffy” Hopkins of Enid; eight grandchildren; one step-grandson; seven great grandchildren; sister, Gloria Skinner and partner, Melvin Howard of Enid; brother, Richard Hopkins and wife Lisa of Enid; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many loving friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law.

Condolences to the family may be made, and viewing of services online at ladusauevans.com.