Larry Vernal Hopkins
Larry Vernal Hopkins, 80, of Soda Springs, Idaho, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Larry was born on April 1, 1943 in Soda Springs Idaho to Vernal and Juanita (Romero) Hopkins. He was the youngest child with two older sisters, Dorothy and Maxine.
Larry was a longtime resident of Soda Springs, Idaho. Larry spent most of his youth in Meadowville, where the family farm was located. When Larry was not working on the farm with the family, he attended school in Soda Springs.
Larry attended Soda Springs High School and graduated in 1962. Larry enjoyed his classmates so much that he decided he needed to stay an extra year with them before he graduated. After graduation, Larry started dating Vicki Smith.
Larry and Vicki were married in the Logan LDS Temple on May 29, 1963. At that time, he was working for the Idaho Department of Transportation, and they were making their home in Soda Springs. In May of 1964, Larry went to work for Monsanto. Larry held several different positions and retired after working for Monsanto for 35 years. Larry and Vicki welcomed three children during this time, Wade, Heather, and Heath.
While working for Monsanto and raising their family, Larry purchased the family farm in 1985. LV Farms became an integral part of Larry’s and his family’s life. You could always find Larry out puttering at the farm.
Larry enjoyed all the outdoor activities that he could. He and his family loved hunting, fishing, camping, riding horses, riding road bikes with friends, spending summers and fall at the cabin in Diamond Creek, and making many trips down the Salmon River. After retirement, Larry and Vicki purchased property at the Dike Lake and enjoyed many summers at the lake cabin. They were also able to spend many winters in Overton, NV with friends.
In the fall of 2020, Larry contracted COVID. During this time, it was discovered that Larry had a rare blood disorder. The next three years, Larry received 77 blood transfusions fighting this disease.
Larry is survived by his wife, of 60 years, Vicki, two sons and one daughter, Wade (Kristy) Hopkins, Ivins, Heather (Tracy) Ainscough and Heath (Rainie) Hopkins, of Soda Springs, ID. He has 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Vernal and Juanita, and his two sisters, Dorothy Hopkins and Maxine Fields.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Hooper LDS Church building. A viewing was also held at the Sims Funeral Home on Monday, November 27, 2023. Services were under the direction of Sims Funeral Home.
