Thomas Christopher Hopkins was born on April 6, 1951, in Dallas, TX. He passed peacefully on March 8, 2025, in Springfield, MO surrounded by family and heaven gained a cowboy.

Tom grew up in Springfield, the son of an art teacher and dentist and the second eldest of five siblings.  He was a loyal and fun loving brother.  He and his family relished nature and outdoor adventures.  Tom played most sports and thoroughly enjoyed horseback riding, camping, raising animals, float trips, boating, water skiing, fishing and hunting.  He remained dedicated to these hobbies throughout his life.

In 1969, Tom graduated from Greenwood, and he remained lifelong close friends with his classmates.  He graduated from MSU in 1973 with a degree in Ag Business.  He owned the Toy Box, a charming and one of a kind toy store where "kids of all ages" remember the joy and magic they felt after a visit there.

Tom's real passion was farming and a move to Lebanon, MO allowed him to pursue this dream where he raised Limousin cattle, Quarter Horse Paints, and crops.  He believed his farm and his lake property were heaven on earth and desired to live nowhere else.

Tom treasured his Lebanon community and was proud of his contributions to it.  He was an active member of the Catholic Church where he served on the council, taught weekly youth classes and spearheaded major fundraising efforts.  He was most proud of building the recreational soccer program, believing every community needed access on all playing levels for "the best game in the world."

Faith and family were the most important things to Tom. He cherished his family and was a particularly proud Papa to his grandkids.  He looked forward to and consistently attended their events. He adored giant family holiday gatherings; weekends at the lake baiting hooks and pulling kids on a tube; and weekly family meals, especially when held at Mexican Villa.

Multiple Bibles would be found open throughout his home and Tom believed in the power of Christ's love. Even as his health declined, he never ceased to love life, remain positive and grateful exclaiming he and life "couldn't be better."

He was preceded in death and welcomed into heaven by his parents, Dr. John Hopkins and Martha Hawkins Hopkins, brother Mark "Tiger" Hopkins, son Nathaniel Hopkins and brother-in-law Jerry Plaster. He is survived by his daughter Abby "Gator" Sylvester; son David Hopkins; stepdaughter Marisa Dewey; son-in-law Adam; grandchildren Mala, Essence, Mili, Bella, Kalia, Tallula, Makana, Izaia, Akira and Heavenly Sylvester and Soren Dewey; siblings John Hopkins (wife Shelly), Nancy Hopkins (husband Todd Young) and Dr. Sarah Hopkins; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tom's Celebration of Life will be held Monday, March 24th, 1:30 pm at Christ Episcopal Church, 601 East Walnut St., Springfield, MO.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Sierra Club. www.sierraclub.org