Lonnie George Hoppers

Lonnie George Hoppers, son of the late Aubra George and Opal Irene (Franklin) Hoppers, was born on July 25, 1935 in Goodson, MO and departed this life on November 17, 2024 at his home near Hermitage, MO. At the time of his passing he was 89 years, three months, and 21 days of age.
Lonnie was raised near Urbana, MO and graduated from Urbana High School. He was saved and baptized at an early age and was a member of the Urbana First Baptist Church. He began playing the banjo at age 14 and professionally at age 17 as an original member of the Ozark Opry at the Lake of the Ozarks. He was drafted into the United States Army and served his country for two years. During his time in the Army, Lonnie was united in marriage to Charlene Carson on September 16, 1959 in Clarksville, TN. After his service in the Army, Lonnie joined Bill Monroe as one of the Bluegrass Boys. He was fortunate enough to record 12 songs with Bill, including “Baker’s Breakdown” and “Big Sandy River.” After leaving Monroe, Lonnie returned to the Kansas City, MO area where he met and started performing with a young guitar player name Dan Crary. Lonnie and Dan developed a new style of Bluegrass, performing shows in the Midwest for about 10 years. Lonnie and Charlene moved back to the Ozarks in 1978 and he began performing at Silve Dollar City, where he gained recognition for his talent and style of playing. He also performed at other Branson theatres and the Shephard of the Hills outdoor theatre. Lonnie also performed for movies and TV shows that were made in Branson. After six seasons performing at Silver Dollar City, he formed the group Lonnie Hoppers & New Union. Lonnie was inducted into the Kentucky Colonels on June 10, 2002.
Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Evelyn. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Charlene; one daughter, Lorrie Cobb; two grandchildren, Erika Shawn Trimble and Carson Nikolas Trimble; two great-grandchildren, Jaymes Richoz and Benjamin Baca-Castex; one brother, Danny & wife Melody Hoppers; and one sister-in-law, Louise Carson Hillman. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends who will all truly miss him.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024 in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery with Pastor Ryan Pendergraft officiating. Escorts will be Zane Hoppers, Oliver Hillman, Michael Hoppers, Carson Trimble, Jeff Hillman, and Ben Hillman. Honorary escorts will be Bob Lovett and Greg Harmon. Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Friday at the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home in Urbana. Memorials may be made to Hickory County Cares.