John Richard Hopson

John Richard Hopson, 55, of 9020 Shawnee Forest Road, Equality; passed away at his home on Sunday, December 12, 2010 after an extended illness. He was born on July 28, 1955 in Harrisburg to John Robert "Bob" and Rosemary (Wenzel) Hopson. He married Janet Smith on September 18, 1982. As he was a lifelong resident in the county, he was a good friend and confidant to many residents in Gallatin County. John served as a police officer in Gallatin County for thirty-five years and served as police officer in Shawneetown in the last few years of his law enforcement career. John was very passionate about being a police officer and often remarked that he couldn't imagine doing any other work. The only thing he was more passionate about than his work was his family. John was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who always put his family first. He was a man of strong faith and a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Equality. John loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing whenever he could. John is survived by his wife, Janet Hopson of Equality; their children Lori, Emily and Alex Hopson, all of Equality; one brother, Jim and Sharon Hopson of Annadale, Va.; two sisters, Jean Anne Coffee of Equality, Julia Hilliger of Freeport; one sister-in-law, Emma and Donny Lutz of Ridgway; two brother-in-laws, Hershel and Dwanna Smith, Andy Smith Jr., all of Ridgway; two grandchildren, Nathan and Justin. He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Chris Hopson; father-in-law, Andrew Smith Sr. and mother-in-law, Emma Smith. Visitation for John will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Equality. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Equality St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Steven Beatty officiating. Burial will be at the St. Joseph Cemetery near Equality. Internet condolences may be made at the website, www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.