Steven D. Hopkins, of Hornell, NY, was called to the Lord on Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2017).
He was born in Wichita Falls, TX to Laura and Lyle Hopkins on February 19, 1987, but was raised in Lubbock, TX. He joined the Jr. Navy ROTC at Lubbock High School in 2002 for 3 years, and graduated in 2005. Steven received a Naval Scholarship and attended the Citadel in Charleston, SC where he received his bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology in 2009. He commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy on May 8, 2009.
On Sept. 12, 2009 he married Patricia “Patty” Lehman of Hornell. He was assigned orders to the USS Ramage out of Norfolk, VA from June 2009-December 2011. He served on the USS Normandy from March 2012-September 2013. Steven’s and Patty’s first son, Alexander Steven was born on Nov. 5, 2013. Steven was assigned to COMOPTEVFOR for shore duty in Norfolk, VA until July 2016. On Sept. 10, 2015, Steven’s second son, Nathaniel Robert was born and in May 2016 Steven received his MBA from Capella University. After attending Department Head school in Newport, RI Steven was stationed aboard the USS Stethem in Yokosuka, Japan.
Steven had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He put everyone before himself. Steven enjoyed the ship life and exploring the world while on deployments. He liked to navigate by the stars. He always made sure to bring foreign gifts home for his wife. Steven would spend his evenings after work playing with Alex and Nathan, and teaching them all of their super heroes. (He had to teach them to Patty too). Steven was always up for an adventure. When Steven wasn’t spending time with his family, he could be found watching a movie or reading a good book.
Steven is survived by his wife, Patty; his two sons, Alex and Nathan; his parents, Laura and Lyle; his grandmother, Barbara Poston; his aunt, Sue (Bob) Bedinghaus and their children Tim, Amanda, and Jessica; his uncles, Brian Hopkins and Douglas Poston; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frederick and Eileen Lehman; his brothers-in-law, Steve, Matt, and AJ (Tanya) Lehman; his sister-in-law, Jamie (Ron) Higley; as well as his nieces, Helena Lehman and Karisa Higley and his nephew, Benjamin Lehman.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Lt. Steven D. Hopkins.
His family will greet relatives and friends from 4-7 p.m. Monday (Sept. 4, 2017) at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell. Those wishing may also attend a Mass to be celebrated in his memory at 10 a.m. Tuesday (Sept. 5, 2017) at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell followed by military honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
The United States flag and the Navy flag will proudly fly at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in recognition of Steven’s military service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to a trust fund to be established for his sons, Alex and Nathan, in care of, Andrew and Tanya Lehman, 6858 Twin Valley Terrace, Almond, N.Y. 14804. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
Posted in: usni.org
Posted on: 2017-08-07
Link to original obituary: https://news.usni.org/2017/08/05/navy-identifies-missing-uss-stethem-sailor-lt-steven-d-hopkins