Russell Alan Hopewell, 59, of
Haubstadt passed away on
Alan was born in
Alan grew up in
Alan was employed by the
South Gibson School Corporation as an English teacher and coach for 37 years.
He was yearbook sponsor and adjunct instructor for the English CAP classes at
USI. He loved all sports and coached all levels of basketball for 26 years. He
started his teaching and coaching career at North Knox. He was head coach at
The sport he enjoyed the most
and the program he started at Gibson Southern was Cross Country, which he
coached for 38 years He was the recipient of the Presidential Award of the
Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country at the 35th Annual Hall of Fame
dinner, February of 2008 in Indianapolis. He had a ten year streak of having a
state qualifier, and 13 runners have gone on to
compete at college levels. He was the Head Boys’ Track coach for 35 years. As
track coach, he had 18 Conference Championships, 13 Sectional Championship
teams, two state champions and two state runner-ups, and 31 state qualifiers.
Chris Walker, a high jumper for Gibson Southern advanced to the Junior Olympics
in
Alan received the Lilly
Creative Fellowship Grant in 2006 to study in
In the classroom Alan was
fair, hardnosed, and respected. He cared about each and every student. Former
students never forgot Mr. Hopewell and his dedication to public education. Alan
was an educator to the very end, witnessing to his friends and family about
priorities in life. He knew and loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Throughout his life Alan gave
generously and quietly his time and coaching skills to thousands of student
athletes, many of whom are coaching today, a testament to his inspiration.
Alan was a loving Christian,
husband, father, granddad, son, teacher, coach, mentor and friend who
demonstrated all of those qualities of special people who make a difference in
the lives of others.
His two grandchildren, Chase
and Ashlyn, were his delight. Their latest
accomplishments, art work, and photographs were displayed with pride.
Alan was a true friend, loyal
and dedicated to many. His advice, experience,
patience, humor, energy, and passion for life will be missed by all who were
touched by this unassuming gentle man.
His untimely passing is a
reminder to live each moment with those we love.
Alan was nominated for the
Coach of the Year in 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007 for the Indiana Association of
Track and Cross Country Coaches. The Princeton Clarion named him the Coach of
the Year in 1991-1992, 1999-2000.
He was a member of the NEA,
ISTA and the Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country. He was an
Independent Real Estate Broker and sold real estate for Gwaltney
Real Estate in
He served his country for six
years in the Indiana National Guard from 1969-1976.
Alan will be remembered for
his appreciation of life and always doing the extra things for his family,
friends, and students.
Alan is survived by his wife
Carol (Schuetter) Hopewell; son Lance Hopewell and
his wife Amy of Evansville; daughter, Heather Johnson and husband David Johnson
of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Chase Johnson (Grand Dad’s big boy and Ashlyn Johnson Grand Dad’s special little girl.); Mother,
Donna Hopewell (Wininger) of Bedford; mother-in-law,
Monica Schuetter; brother in-law, Randy Schuetter and his wife Mary; sister in-law, Lavonne Seidel
and husband Mike and two nieces and two nephews from Jasper, Indiana; (Russell
Sr.) wife, Patricia Hopewell and her daughter Mary Sue Bowling of Washington,
and sons Mike Wonder of Chicago, Illinois, and David Wonder of San Jose,
California.
He was preceded in death by
his father Russell Hopewell and his grandparents.
The family would like to
thank their friends, neighbors, South Gibson Administration, school board
members, coaches, and staff who helped and supported them during these
difficult times. Thanks to the doctors and staff of Tri-State Ear, Nose and
Throat Surgeons, to the owners and staff at Victoria National Golf Course, and
the staff at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Your kindness will never be
forgotten. A special thank you to Dr. Thomas Waits and his
staff at Oncology Associates for the wonderful care. He was always
thankful for the care he received during the chemotherapy treatments and would
comment on the way home how fortunate he was for the nursing care he received.
Thanks also to Dr. Larry Lutz and staff.
The family would like to
thank Father John Silva, Father Tony Ernst, Father Gary Kaiser and Father Betz
for the spiritual support they provided. Thanks also to Danny Maikranz and the many churches who prayed for Alan and his
family. Alan is a member of St. Peter and Paul Church in Haubstadt.
Visitation will be
Services will be
