Jarold Hopkins died peacefully on August 17, 2026, at The Cedars in McPherson, KS. He was born on March 21, 1940, to Lewis and Mae (Bachman) Hopkins on a farm in Protection, KS.
Jarold graduated from Protection High School in 1958 and attended Southwestern College and Wichita State University. He graduated with a bachelor’s in English education from Wichita State and later received a master’s degree in education from Wichita State.
On January 20, 1962, Jarold married Janet (Short) Hopkins and they had two sons, Kevin and Kyle. Jarold began his teaching and coaching career at Lewis High School. In 1966, Jarold and Jan moved to Hutchinson, KS where Jarold started a long and distinguished career at Central Jr. High and Hutchinson High Schools. He taught English and coached football, basketball and track. Jarold was admired by his colleagues and all of his students for his friendly wit, sometimes ornery demeanor and dedication to teaching. His impact lasts to this day through the thousands of students and athletes he taught.
Jarold was very passionate about serving his community. He was involved for many years in the Hutchinson Civitan Club, where he served several terms as President. Jarold spent many early mornings placing American flags all over town for holidays on behalf of the Civitan Club. He loved working at the State Fair Civitan booth and helped with the State Fair Marching Band contest for decades. Jarold was a dedicated member of Trinity United Methodist Church and sang in the choir for years.
Jarold instilled in both his boys the love of sports and music. He was a talented cornet player and performed in area bands and across Europe with the McPherson College Brass Ensemble. Jarold played basketball and softball well into his 40’s and was an avid table tennis player.
Jarold was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Mae Hopkins, his wife of 64 years Janet, brothers Don Hopkins, Gary Hopkins, and Leland Hopkins.
He is survived by his sons Kevin (Carol Eades) of Lawrence and Kyle (Christi) of McPherson, grandchildren Isaac Hopkins (Meredith) of Hutchinson, Jordan Hopkins (Chelsea Inglett) of Winfield, Navya Hopkins of NYC, Marshall Hopkins of NYC, Kedzie Hopkins (John East) of Evansville IN, Selci Hopkins of St. Louis MO, Divya Hopkins of NYC, Ben Hopkins of Albuquerque NM, great-grand daughter Olive Hopkins of Winfield, sister-in-law Lois Short of Wichita, brother Richard Hopkins (Rosé) of Arizona, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the entire Hutchinson community.
Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson. Private inurnment will take place in the church columbarium. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Salthawk Community Support, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.