Known for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and compassionate nature, David left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. His possessed a remarkable ability to make people feel respected and included. He had a talent for seeing beyond the surface and connecting with people on a profound level. David didn't merely welcome others; he embraced their uniqueness and celebrated the qualities that made each person special. His legacy is one of inspiring inclusion.
David was born to E. Dean Hopf and Ola Mae (Peril) Hopf and was preceded in death by them, as well as his father- and mother-in-law, Edward M. Bailey and Jane Drake Bailey, and brother-in-law, John Roberts.
As a fifth-generation owner of the Hopf Ranch in Harper, Texas, David loved and stewarded the land well. He bred registered Angus cattle and Corriedale sheep. He managed multiple deer leases, practiced land conservation, and nurtured native biodiversity, a legacy that Chris, Suzi, and Cosmo proudly continue.
David was a community leader. He served as an elder of the Presbyterian Church, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Junction. He served on several boards including the Association of Water Board Directors, the Hill Country Memorial Hospital Board, and the Harper Museum Board. He was a member of Journey Church in Fredericksburg and was a certified Master Naturalist.
David's lifelong involvement with the Boy Scouts was a testament to his commitment to shaping the lives of young people. As a young man, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 139 and was a member of the Order of the Arrow: Tonkawa Lodge 99. In his adulthood, he served as a leader for Boy Scout Troop 135, member of the Capital Area District Boy Scout Council, and Boy Scout Commissioner. His outstanding dedication earned him the prestigious Silver Beaver award for council-level distinguished service in Boy Scouts.
David's educational journey was also marked by excellence. He earned a Bachelor of Science and Master's degree in Chemistry from Southwest Texas State University. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Texas A&M University.
For 39 years, David shared his knowledge and passion as a dedicated high school chemistry and physics teacher at Fredericksburg High School where he served as Science Department Head. His influence reached beyond the classroom, where he served as the UIL coordinator, UIL Science Sponsor, and Junior Engineering Technical Society Sponsor. He had the privilege of teaching all three of his beloved children. He also lent his distinctive voice to the Fredericksburg High School Football games for two decades.
David's impact on his students' lives was immeasurable. Many former students fondly recall him as their favorite teacher, one who equipped them for higher education and inspired them to pursue careers in teaching, engineering, medicine, and beyond.
David Dean Hopf leaves behind a profound legacy of kindness, inclusion, and community service. His memory will forever be cherished by those who were privileged to know him.
A celebration of life service for David Dean Hopf will be held at Trinity Church Fredericksburg on October 15, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Harper Fire Department, the Fredericksburg Fire Department, the Harper Museum, or Fredericksburg Meals on Wheels in David's honor.
Known for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and compassionate nature, David left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. His possessed a remarkable ability to make people feel respected and included. He had a talent for seeing beyond the surface and connecting with people on a profound level. David didn't merely welcome others; he embraced their uniqueness and celebrated the qualities that made each person special. His legacy is one of inspiring inclusion.
David was born to E. Dean Hopf and Ola Mae (Peril) Hopf and was preceded in death by them, as well as his father- and mother-in-law, Edward M. Bailey and Jane Drake Bailey, and brother-in-law, John Roberts.
As a fifth-generation owner of the Hopf Ranch in Harper, Texas, David loved and stewarded the land well. He bred registered Angus cattle and Corriedale sheep. He managed multiple deer leases, practiced land conservation, and nurtured native biodiversity, a legacy that Chris, Suzi, and Cosmo proudly continue.
David was a community leader. He served as an elder of the Presbyterian Church, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Junction. He served on several boards including the Association of Water Board Directors, the Hill Country Memorial Hospital Board, and the Harper Museum Board. He was a member of Journey Church in Fredericksburg and was a certified Master Naturalist.
David's lifelong involvement with the Boy Scouts was a testament to his commitment to shaping the lives of young people. As a young man, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 139 and was a member of the Order of the Arrow: Tonkawa Lodge 99. In his adulthood, he served as a leader for Boy Scout Troop 135, member of the Capital Area District Boy Scout Council, and Boy Scout Commissioner. His outstanding dedication earned him the prestigious Silver Beaver award for council-level distinguished service in Boy Scouts.
David's educational journey was also marked by excellence. He earned a Bachelor of Science and Master's degree in Chemistry from Southwest Texas State University. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Texas A&M University.
For 39 years, David shared his knowledge and passion as a dedicated high school chemistry and physics teacher at Fredericksburg High School where he served as Science Department Head. His influence reached beyond the classroom, where he served as the UIL coordinator, UIL Science Sponsor, and Junior Engineering Technical Society Sponsor. He had the privilege of teaching all three of his beloved children. He also lent his distinctive voice to the Fredericksburg High School Football games for two decades.
David's impact on his students' lives was immeasurable. Many former students fondly recall him as their favorite teacher, one who equipped them for higher education and inspired them to pursue careers in teaching, engineering, medicine, and beyond.
David Dean Hopf leaves behind a profound legacy of kindness, inclusion, and community service. His memory will forever be cherished by those who were privileged to know him.
A celebration of life service for David Dean Hopf will be held at Trinity Church Fredericksburg on October 15, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Harper Fire Department, the Fredericksburg Fire Department, the Harper Museum, or Fredericksburg Meals on Wheels in David's honor.
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