The angels came for Charles D. Hopkins, affectionately known as "Lawn Mower Man", early on the morning of September 13, 2025.

He was born on June 19, 1937; the fifth child of Charles and Lurena Hopkins, in the small town of Heiberger, Alabama. His early years were spent working alongside his father on the family farm. This experience would prove very beneficial to him in the years after his retirement.

In 1960 he enlisted in the US Army and after being honorably discharged in 1962, he moved to Ypsilanti and did various jobs until he was hired in at Ford Motor Company, where he was employed for 30 years prior to his retirement in 1997.

In August 1969, he married his wife of 56 years, Annie L. Smith (whom he affectionately called the Hen).

His retirement years were spent tending to his garden, restoring his 1972 Ford Ranchero, and doing small engine repair, which made him to the go-to man for anything that had an engine. Snow blowers, weed wackers, lawn mowers, which most people discarded, he would restore to operation and often give away to those in need.

Charles will be remembered for his soft-spoken manner, his honesty, ability to recall dates, times and places... but most of all he will be remembered for his love of Scripture.  He was added to the Lord's church in 1970, during a campaign headlined by the great Jimmy Allen.  In service to the Lord, he became the teacher for new converts.  He was admired by many for this love of Scripture and for his ability to quote whole chapters and verses from memory.

He never missed an opportunity to teach God's word and plan of salvation. When presented with life's challenges, Charles frequently reminded people "Thus sayeth the Lord", always proclaiming God's authority over every situation.

Charles D. Hopkins was a dedicated father, husband, uncle, brother and friend; but the title he took the most pride in was that of Christian.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Earnestine, Mattie and Thelma and brother Eugene.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Ann, two sons, Rodney (Ericka) of Suffolk, VA and Charles Jr of Ypsilanti, MI; 4 grandchildren Joshua Hopkins (Navarre, FL), Brianna Hopkins (Norfolk, VA), Jasmine (Oswaldin) Azor of Arlington, VA and David Hopkins (Suffolk, VA). In addition, 3 great-grandchildren, Xander, Ezra and baby Violet of Navarre, FL; sister, Earlene Russell (Tuscaloosa, AL) and countless nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Visitation will be held 4 pm to 8 pm at Stark Funeral Professionals (101 S. Washington St., Ypsilanti, MI 48197) on Thursday, September 25, 2025. A family hour will begin at 10 am, and will be immediately followed by a celebration of Charles' life at 11 am Friday, September 26, 2025 at Ypsilanti Church of Christ (1070 E. Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197). Elder Gilbert Baldwin will officiate. Charles will be laid to rest at United Memorial Gardens in Plymouth, MI.