William J. "Bill" Hopton

Monday, July 6, 2009

William J. "Bill" Hopton, 62, of Terre Haute died Thursday, July 2, 2009 in Union Hospital.

He was born Feb. 4, 1947 in Terre Haute.

Mr. Hopton was the owner of Laughrey Brothers Roofing in Terre Haute and the former owner of Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville. He was the former lieutenant governor of his district as well as past president of the Breakfast Optimists, a former member of the board of directors of the Sycamore Varsity Club at Indiana State University.

He was an avid sports enthusiast for all sports at ISU, as well as the St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers and a huge fan of Tony Stewart. He coached youth basketball for his son and grandson and helped form the Terre Haute Action Track, where he was a promoter for seven years.

He is survived by his wife Marlene Lybarger Hopton, whom he married Nov. 4, 1994; one son, Brian Hopton and wife Mandy of Fontanet; one daughter, Stacey Hopton of Terre Haute; five grandchildren, B.J., Jacob and Kayla Hopton and Adrian and Devon Hatcher; sister Barbara Wood and husband Melvin of Terre Haute; and special cousin, Maggie Keller of Terre Haute. He will be greatly missed by his faithful sidekick Chuckie Hancock and "little sister" Maggie Shook.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wright and Mildred Hopton Wright; a brother, Michael "Mikey" Hopton; and his childhood guardians, Tom and Margaret Minks.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Greiner Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2005 13th St., Terre Haute, with Brother Abe Miller officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Garden.

Calling will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today.