HOW WE WILL MISS HIM…
On October 9, 2025, at age 44, Stephen Korey Hopkins was received by Jesus with the saints in heaven. Right before he left, he made those around him promise to “never lose their faith.” He wanted to make sure we all would hold onto what matters most— knowing that the Lord is good, even if we can’t see it with our natural eyes. He wanted us to always believe what Jesus promised in the scriptures. Stephen’s last words were a powerful legacy, as was his whole life.
Stephen’s three-year battle with cancer was nothing short of valiant. He fought with faith in God’s promises. He stood on Psalm 91. He always spoke of trusting the Lord. Through it all, Stephen trusted God. He met this horrific challenge as he met all of life— with great optimism, forward motion, and steadfast strength—always encouraging others in his inspiring, dynamic way. His legacy of amazing character lives on in his amazing children, Elle, Jack, and Will Hopkins. They have been and will continue to be greatly blessed by all Stephen was as their earthly father.
Stephen was born in Sedalia, Missouri, January 22, 1981. He was the first son of Dean and Sophie Hopkins. Soon his brother, Ted, was born and his family moved to Jefferson City, Missouri where he attended Trinity Lutheran School from first to eighth grade. He then attended Jefferson City High School from grades 9-12, graduating in 1999 as a four-year golf letterman.
One God-ordained evening, Stephen met Sarah Leslie Nunn at his church youth group. It was clear, they were meant to be together. They weathered the vagaries of youth and college days, and were married on August 28, 2004. All who knew them were blessed. They modeled what mutual respect and teamwork should look like—in their togetherness, individuality, in career-building, in social interactions, and especially in raising their three children. Stephen and Sarah Hopkins begged closer observation, to note how they approached this thing called marriage. They were uncommonly and beautifully together. Now Sarah will carry that gift with her always. Their love for each other was so evident, such an indescribable blessing.
Stephen also loved his family—his parents and brother and his family, Sarah’s family, cousins, nieces, nephews—all were always welcome at the Hopkins home. He was intentional about reaching out to connect with family, drawing all together with his irresistible magnetism. He also made sure each of the children were named after a beloved grandmother or grandfather. Stephen greatly valued family in heart and in action.
Stephen graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in architecture and later earned an MBA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). He then worked for several international architecture firms, one of those being Kansas City’s Populous. There he had the opportunity to help create the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame as the lead designer. In 2014, Stephen became Founder and Chief Design Officer of Shield Lockers, a leader of mass-customization in health care and locker room systems for hospitals and college and professional teams, located in Kansas City. He won several awards for his innovative design/build systems. He was AIA, NCARB, IDSA, and LEED AP BD+C accredited. His industry-leading thinking has been featured in Fast Company and Becker’s Hospital Review, and he was featured in Kansas City Magazine’s ’40 under 40’ in his early career. Regarding his work ethic, he has been quoted as saying, “I’d rather be wrong trying, than right and just talking. Ideas are easy. Executing is magic.” And, “Stay curious, and humble. Never stop learning.” Stephen lived these words.
It also must be noted that Stephen was an avid, over-the-top Chiefs, Royals, and KU fan. If you knew him, you KNEW this. He proudly sported fan garb even down to socks covered with their logos. He helped ‘his team’ win through his attendance at games and also by coaching the players through his television screen. Definitely NOT a wallflowertype fan.
A member of St. Agnes Catholic Church since 2023, Stephen delighted in receiving the Eucharist, that foretaste of the wedding feast of the Lamb and the promise of what awaits him in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Until that day, his wife, Sarah Hopkins, three children, Elle, Jack, and Will await their joyous reunion with Stephen in heaven—as do his parents, Dean and Sophie and his brother, Ted and his family.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to: St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park, KS or St. Agnes School, Roeland Park, KS . Another option is to donate to the school charity through Venmo @stagnesrams