Leon Hopson
Leon Hopson was born on August 10, 1950, in Baytown, Texas, to Red and Eva Hopson, and, along with his three sisters, spent most of his life in Hamshire, America.
Leon grew up in the shadow of the oilfield and, at the early age of 17, began his career as a deckhand on oil rigs, both on land and in the Gulf of Mexico. He worked his way through the various rig positions until he became a directional driller. After working with his father and on his own for many years, in 2003, Leon joined with two friends to create Crescent Directional. He retired from Crescent in early 2016, and devoted himself as a full time resident at his barn, polishing his tractors, and harassing his friends, of which there were many.
Leon had many interests, including a lifelong pursuit of “big bucks” and white perch; he raised cattle under the Hop-N-Jay Ranch brand; he bought the old E&E Fish Camp in 1996, changed the name to Neon Leon’s and ran it until Hurricane Ike changed the landscape; he cut and baled hay up until his death, often simply giving it away; and he enjoyed helping others in Hamshire with cutting and baling their own hay. Leon considered time spent on his tractors the best form of therapy and had been known to simply sit in the barn and look at them.
Leon loved his community and supported it in many ways. He was known to contribute anonymously to several local churches. He sponsored Little League and Little Dribblers teams, as well as youth rodeos. He was an avid supporter of the Hamshire Volunteer Fire Department and loved a good auction. He supported kids at the State Fair livestock auctions and bought several cows, even though he didn’t have a field to keep them in. Leon also supported his school and remained always faithful to his H-F Class of 1968. There are many individuals in our community who benefited from his help throughout the years, some knowingly and some anonymously. Leon simply hated to turn anyone away and thought “NO” was one of those four-letter words.
Leon first became a father in 1978, when his son, John, was born. After a small gap of 27 years, his daughter, Chloe, was born in 2005 (surprise!!). John and Chloe are his greatest achievement and his greatest source of pride and joy.
Leon is preceded in death by his parents, Red & Eva Hopson, and his brothers-in-law, Mark East and Freddie Daigle.
Leon is survived by his wife, Michelle; son – John Hopson; daughter – Chloe Hopson; sisters – Pam East, Jodi Thewman & Suggie Daigle; grandsons – Keegan Curry, JW Hopson & Ty Hopson; numerous nieces & nephews; and countless friends…and we are all blessed for having loved and been loved by him.
A gathering of Mr. Hopson’s family and friends will begin at 11:00 a.m., with his funeral service at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 22, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 25304 TX-124, Hamshire, under the direction of Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to First Baptist Church Hamshire, 25304 HWY 124 Hamshire, Texas 77622, or Hamshire Volunteer Fire Department, ATTN: CHIEF, P.O. Box 153, Hamshire, Texas 77622.
Gathering of Family and Friends
First Baptist Church-Hamshire
- 25304, Highway 124, Hamshire, TX, 77622,
- February 22, 2024
- 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Funeral Service
First Baptist Church-Hamshire
- 25304, Highway 124, Hamshire, TX, 77622,
- February 22, 2024
- 1:00 pm
Sorry to hear about Leon he was one of a kind. Known Leon and his family all my life. Leon and Ricky Jones initiated me in high school He always had joke to tell me he will be missed.
Praying for peace and comfort for the entire Hopson family as you grieve the loss of Leon. I am so very sad for your loss and send my deepest heartfelt love and condolences.
I had the honor to be part of this family in the most unprecedented time of pain and loss.
Heartfelt condolences. Praying for peace, precious memories, and love to surround you all.
Condolences to family. Sorry fo the loss of a family member Pam. From howard and Elizabeth hughes.
Leon was my first brother in law and I had a little brother. Didn’t last long but he was forever my little brother and friend. He was so blessed to remain close and his beautiful family with Michelle and children John and Chloe are forever blessed for his love for them. Hamshire’s loss too for a son born and raised with his great family Hopson heritage.
I first met Leon playing pick up
basketball in the late 60’s – developing a relationship that grew through all their class reunions ( thanks to my wife Brenda) & finally living in his neighborhood. A most generous & caring soul who will be greatly missed by his family, countless friends & the entire area where he grew up & remained for a lifetime! No one can replace Leon – REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Mr Leon was for sure the most caring and giving person I knew. Was always a big supporter of all the youth , and high school rodeos. Also was always willing to help the younger generation to become good hard workers. My Dad and him were always in the hay field together for the longest time, He will definitely be missed.
We are so saddened to hear about Leon’s passing. He was one of a kind. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
My prayers are with you Sugie and family
Leon was a good friend. Sorry for your loss. He will be missed. GOD BLESS his family. 🙏
Roland and I are so sorry to hear of Leon’s passing. We were Blessed to call him Friend. If he was your friend, you had a friend for life. Rest Easy Our Friend. Deepest Condolences to his Family.
I first met Leon and his dad, Red, in 1976 while trespassing. That was a pivotal point in my life. They have always helped me in need. Good people.
I first met Red and Leon while trespassing in 1976. That was a pivotal point in my life. They helped me a lot. I will always remember and love them.
Leon touched many lives and will be truly missed by all. He was a wonderful man . I was happy to briefly know him. Rest in peace Leon.
Leon Hopson Family,
I’m sorry for the loss of your dad, husband, brother, grandfather and friend. Leon was always kind to me. He had a big heart. He will be missed by many.
Leon and my brother Rick were great friends from way back going to elementary together. Leon told me a story that he got so mad at Rick one time for stomping his cowboy hat and laughing that he had to start laughing too because he couldnt stay mad at Rick . They are bound to be together up there harassing each other.
Donnie & I are just heart broken. We have been so blessed to be able to become such close friends to Leon, Michelle & Chloe over the years. They are family to us & always will be. (It’s like dejavu…for me, anyway…lol!) We have had tons of fun, spent lots of time together & are so sad that he won’t be here to keep sharing life with us. Peace & love to you, Leon.
He was a great man and will be missed 🙏💙🙏
Roland and I were so blessed to call Leon our friend. If he was your friend, you had a friend for life. You were loved by many and You will be missed by many. Rest Easy Our Friend. Condolences to his Family.
Leon was one of the good guys. He was an asset to the community who will be missed greatly. Rest in peace cowboy
A real gentleman with a heart big as Texas, He will be missed by his community. Fly hi my friend. You are now back in the arms of your mom and dad
A true gentleman and a giver to his community and so many people. Fly high Leon. You are now in the arms of your dear parents
Never saw a man give $6000 for a case of jelly
What a giving person. Leon you will be missed in our community. You defined the
Word giving
Truer words were never spoken than “Leon loved his community & supported it in many ways”. Hamshire VFD & EMS has experienced that love firsthand for many years. Leon willingly (not seeking praise or recognition) always offered his help when times were tough. He did it because he genuinely cared about the welfare of the community. We owe a debt of gratitude to Leon & Michelle, Pam, Jodi, Suggie & to their late parents Eva & Red as well. Thank you all for being an example of what it means to serve your community & help make it a better place.
This is so hard to believe he’s gone, he was my best friend. Michelle, Joh,Chloe I’m so sorry he will be missed by his friends and the community. R.I.P. Leon 😪💙
Leon will be missed by us all. I am truly blessed to be able to call Leon friend. Love you Buddy!