Terry Lee Hopkins, 76, Warsaw, went to be with the Lord at 6:10 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2023, in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.

Terry Hopkins

He was born Jan. 10, 1947, in Kosciusko County, to George G. (Gib) and Myrtle J. (Stanley) Hopkins. On Dec. 17, 1965, he married Carolyn (Wallace) Hopkins, who is still living in Warsaw. Terry was born in Warsaw, lived in Muncie for seven years, State College, Pa., for four years and returned to Warsaw where he lived out the rest of his life.

Terry worked in sales most of his years and started working as the manager at the family-owned Root Beer Stand in Silver Lake, when he was 14 years old. That hard work mentality is what helped him become Warsaw High School’s first ever All-American football player, earning him a full ride football scholarship to Ball State University.

He graduated in 1972 with his bachelor’s degree in education. After marriage and the birth of his son, Terry started a career in insurance sales, which earned him Top Rookie of the Year with Fidelity Union Life and many awards in the following years. He also founded the Kosciusko County Soccer League (KCSL) in Warsaw, which many athletes still benefit from today.

Terry enjoyed Corvettes and classic cars, riding in a convertible with the top down listening to music, attending Warsaw High School sporting events, bragging about his kids and grandkids to anyone who would listen, working out at the YMCA, and coaching and mentoring those around him. He was a thoroughbred that ran a great race, and we know he is now reunited with those gone before him. He was the best papa, grandpa, brother, uncle and dad ever!

Surviving him are a son, Chad (Mary) Hopkins, Kalamazoo, Mich.; a daughter, Chandra (Abraham) Hepler, Warsaw; a brother, Cloyce Hopkins, Warsaw; and five grandchildren, Mitchell Hopkins, Greensboro, N.C.; Madison Hopkins, Kalamazoo; A.J. Hepler, Warsaw; Ellie Hepler, Warsaw; Eden Hepler, Warsaw. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Diana Kay Hoffer; and a brother, Randall G. Hopkins.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, with Abraham Hepler officiating. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday prior to the funeral service. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, handled arrangements.