Official Obituary of
Robert Thomas Hopewell
September 12, 1933 ~ September 21, 2022 (age 89) 89 Years Old
Robert Hopewell Obituary
In Lieu of Flowers: Family request donation to Michigan Veteran Home-Grand Rapids & Innovation Central High School
ROBERT THOMAS HOPEWELL also known as, "Bob" was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on September 12, 1933, to William and Sarah Bell Bowman Hopewell. Bob was one of the last of five children.
Bob served his country as a Demolition Specialist in the United States Army. After his service in the Army, Bob worked 30 years for the City of Grand Rapids, where he retired as a Supervisor in Environmental Services.
Bob, also known as, "Big bad Bob" loved watching baseball, and was the biggest fan of the Detroit Tigers. Bob was a very active man, who enjoyed fishing, hunting, decorating for churches, family, and friends' special events. On Thursdays he would be in the bowling alley, rolling that ball down the lane, while laughing, joking, and drinking his cold glass of Busch Beer. On Sunday's he would faithfully gather his bag and head to Martin Luther King Park to umpire the softball games after he resigned from playing himself. Bob lived his life surrounded by the people he loved and the activities he enjoyed. His last birthday celebration, held on September 10, 2022, he was surrounded by his beloved family.
Robert (Bob) Thomas Hopewell went to be with the Lord on September 21, 2022, after being cared for by his family and the staff at the Veterans Home of Grand Rapids, MI.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, William and Sarah Bell Bowman Hopewell; three brothers Richard, Arthur, and Edward Gene Hopewell; (1) grandson, Calvin Ray Drozd-Robinson.
Robert (Bob) leaves to cherish his memory: His loving wife of 55 years, Cesther L. Hopewell; one sister, Etta Jo (Jerry) Mayfield; two sons, Bobby J. Hopewell and Calvin R. Robinson; five daughters, Diane L. Cann, Donna M. Robinson, Kimberly M. Robinson-Davis and Tamara A. Robinson; six grandchildren, Damion L. (Saralynn) Cann, Dequirry T. Cann-Robinson, Nicole M. Robinson, Kanique B. Tolbert, Thomas J. Davis, Kanisha L. Robinson; seven great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, one Godson, Eddie "Buster" Laird and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Previous Events Familiy Hour SEP 29. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (ET) Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 510 M. L. K. Jr. St S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Loading map Celebration of Life SEP 29. 11:00 AM (ET) Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 510 M. L. K. Jr. St S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Loading map Final Military Honors SEP 29. 11:00 AM (ET) Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 510 M. L. K. Jr. St S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Loading map Burial SEP 30. 11:00 AM (ET) Fort Custer National Cemetery 15501 Dickman Rd. Augusta, MI 49012 Loading map
ROBERT THOMAS HOPEWELL also known as, "Bob" was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on September 12, 1933, to William and Sarah Bell Bowman Hopewell. Bob was one of the last of five children.
Bob served his country as a Demolition Specialist in the United States Army. After his service in the Army, Bob worked 30 years for the City of Grand Rapids, where he retired as a Supervisor in Environmental Services.
Bob, also known as, "Big bad Bob" loved watching baseball, and was the biggest fan of the Detroit Tigers. Bob was a very active man, who enjoyed fishing, hunting, decorating for churches, family, and friends' special events. On Thursdays he would be in the bowling alley, rolling that ball down the lane, while laughing, joking, and drinking his cold glass of Busch Beer. On Sunday's he would faithfully gather his bag and head to Martin Luther King Park to umpire the softball games after he resigned from playing himself. Bob lived his life surrounded by the people he loved and the activities he enjoyed. His last birthday celebration, held on September 10, 2022, he was surrounded by his beloved family.
Robert (Bob) Thomas Hopewell went to be with the Lord on September 21, 2022, after being cared for by his family and the staff at the Veterans Home of Grand Rapids, MI.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, William and Sarah Bell Bowman Hopewell; three brothers Richard, Arthur, and Edward Gene Hopewell; (1) grandson, Calvin Ray Drozd-Robinson.
Robert (Bob) leaves to cherish his memory: His loving wife of 55 years, Cesther L. Hopewell; one sister, Etta Jo (Jerry) Mayfield; two sons, Bobby J. Hopewell and Calvin R. Robinson; five daughters, Diane L. Cann, Donna M. Robinson, Kimberly M. Robinson-Davis and Tamara A. Robinson; six grandchildren, Damion L. (Saralynn) Cann, Dequirry T. Cann-Robinson, Nicole M. Robinson, Kanique B. Tolbert, Thomas J. Davis, Kanisha L. Robinson; seven great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, one Godson, Eddie "Buster" Laird and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Previous Events Familiy Hour SEP 29. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (ET) Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 510 M. L. K. Jr. St S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Loading map Celebration of Life SEP 29. 11:00 AM (ET) Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 510 M. L. K. Jr. St S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Loading map Final Military Honors SEP 29. 11:00 AM (ET) Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 510 M. L. K. Jr. St S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Loading map Burial SEP 30. 11:00 AM (ET) Fort Custer National Cemetery 15501 Dickman Rd. Augusta, MI 49012 Loading map
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