Otho Hopkins, Jr.

Otho Neil Hopkins, Jr. 90, passed away Monday, January 30, 2023, in Waco. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm, Monday, February 6, 2022, at Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel.

He was born June 23, 1932, in Waco, Texas to Otha and Mary Evelyn Hopkins.

Neil grew up in Waco and graduated from Waco High School in 1950. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force in 1956 and served for 3 years. He was Honorably Discharged in 1959, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. He attended Baylor University, where he received a master’s degree in Geology

After graduating from Baylor, he began working for Texaco, Inc. as a Geologist. Neil worked there for 30 years, advancing to the position of Assistant General Manager of Texaco-White Plains, New York, and an Exploration Manager over Texaco Europe. During this time, he worked in Houston, Trinidad, West Indies, White Plains, NY, Malta, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia. He retired in 1991.

He was an Associate Member of Berachah Church in Houston at the time of his passing, joining the church in 1964.

Neil married Betty Lue Royals in 1951, in Waco and they were happily married for 72 years. He enjoyed playing golf at Cottonwood Creek, Senior Group, and many other courses overseas. He was an avid Baylor Bear fan, holding Season tickets to basketball, football and baseball games.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, James Hall; niece, Linda Sue Hall; nephew, William Combel; and several aunts and uncles.

Neil is survived by his wife, Betty; son, Richard Wayne Hopkins; daughter, Patricia Lynn Guthrie and husband, William; granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Guthrie (Patricia and William’s daughter); sisters, Harriet Hall, Marilyn McLemore and husband, Glenn, and Mary Combel; nieces, Lea and Cortnee; and nephew, James.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Parkinson’s Research Foundation or American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be left on Neil Hopkins, Jr online guest book www.wacofhmp.com

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Visiting Angels to Carolyn Hinton and Bluebonnet Hospice.

“Absent from the body and face-to-face with the Lord”