Darwin Charles Hopkins

Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend, Darwin Charles Hopkins passed away at the age of 90 on August 12, 2026.

Darwin was born on March 26, 1936 to Marvin Monroe Hopkins and ­­­Beatrice Cyntha Dye. He grew up in Firth, Idaho and was the oldest of seven children.

As a young man, Darwin served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern Mexican Mission for two and a half years and married his sweetheart, Carol Dawn Taylor, on July 16, 1959, just two weeks after coming home. Together they settled in Firth, Idaho and had seven children. Later, Darwin and Carol served three temple missions together in Guayaquil, Ecuador; Atlanta, Georgia; and Idaho Falls, Idaho. He served in many church callings during his life, including bishop and high council, and especially enjoyed working with the scouts and the Spanish Wards. Darwin had a deep testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and of the Book of Mormon as a witness of Christ. He loved sharing the Book of Mormon and often encouraged family members to read and study it as much as possible.

From a young age, Darwin loved to tinker with machines and, eventually, he became a journeyman electrician. He worked for and retired from Idaho Supreme Potatoes as a maintenance manager and lead electrician, designing and building much of their equipment. He could fix anything mechanical and often used his skills to help others in need.

When he wasn’t working hard to provide for his family, Darwin loved sharing his time and talents with others. His family has many fond memories of fishing, camping, gardening, and wood working with him. He and Carol also spent many years developing Hopkins Park, a gathering place for family and community events situated on the banks of the Snake River, just behind their home. Many wonderful memories were shared in the park, including reunions, weddings, and campouts. Darwin prioritized family gatherings but also valued each family member as an individual, and he always sent every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild a card for their birthday.

Family and friends also know Darwin as a tease. He had a quick wit and a wry sense of humor, and had fun playing many pranks on family and friends, including setting up electric wire to keep the kids from coming down to Christmas too early or organizing elaborate treasure hunts the kids had to complete before opening any presents.

Darwin is survived by his brothers, Arlin and Lynn, and sisters, LaNada, Carla, and Mary; his children and their spouses, daughter-in-law Becky (wife of his oldest son Denton), Marva (Dale) Mecham, Janette (Marty) Smith, Vaughn (Donna) Hopkins, Marvin (Mairi) Hopkins, Julie (Del Ray) Miles, and Mark (Diantha) Hopkins. His legacy will also be carried on by 34 grandchildren (27 spouses of grandchildren) and 73 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol Dawn Taylor, his oldest son, Denton Charles Hopkins, his granddaughter Jamie Hopkins, his great-grandson Jacob Cook, his grandson-in-law William “Bill” Gunnell, his sister June Hawkes, and his brother-in-laws Darwin Hawkes, Kendall Kelley, and Wayne Gifford.

On Wednesday, August 19th there will be a viewing at Nalder Funeral Home 110 West Oak Street from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. On Thursday, August 20, family and friends are invited to gather for a viewing (10:00 a.m.) and funeral service (11:00 a.m.) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Firth Stake Center) located at 823 N. 675 E. Basalt, ID 83218. He will be laid to rest in Firth Cemetery next to his beloved wife. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.

Those who would like to participate in the funeral service remotely are invited to view the service on a live broadcast on Zoom at this link: https://zoom.us/j/96725960996.

*