Lyndell Hopke

Lyndell L. Hopke, 91, of Vandalia, Mo., died at 2:19 p.m., Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Tri-County Care Center in Vandalia.
Services were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the Waters Funeral Home. Pastor Jamie Franke officiated. Burial with full military honors will be in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
Visitation celebrating Lyndell’s life will be held 5 until 7 p.m., Monday May 8, 2023, at the Waters Funeral Home.
Lyndell was born on Nov. 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 died earlier on July 31, 2004. He later was united in marriage to Martha Rathburn on July 25, 2009, she died on Aug. 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.; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
In addition to his parents and wives, Mr. Hopke’s four brothers, Wilford Hopke, Edward H. Hopke, Jr., N. Burton Hopke and J.W. Hopke; and great-granddaughter, Emma Hopke, all died earlier.
Lyndell graduated from Vandalia High School and went on to further honorably serve his country in the U.S. 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 every day. Away from his love of working, Lyndell enjoyed horseback riding, raccoon, 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 became an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. After becoming a grandfather, Lyndell cherished the time spent with and attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s events 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 a previous member of the Vandalia VFW and Tri-County Saddle Club.
Pallbearers were 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.