Obituary

Caleb Michael Hopkins, 40, loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on September 10, 2022 near Fort Scott, KS. Caleb was born on May 26, 1982 in Kansas City, MO to Michael and Joy Hopkins. Caleb attended Oak Park High School. He was always an honor roll student and graduated in 2000 with honors. He went to Truman State University and was a member of the Bulldog swim team throughout college. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from Truman in 2004, Caleb attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City, graduating in the inaugural Masters of Anesthesia class in 2010. Caleb was a loving husband to Erin Hopkins, married fourteen years, and together they have two beautiful children, daughter Madeline, 13, and son Micah, 9.

Caleb loved his career as an anesthetist where he masterfully gave care to all those in need. He began working as a pediatric anesthetist at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center in St Louis. He served as clinical faculty for UMKC, teaching students the art and nuances of anesthesia. During that time, he and his wife participated in multiple trips to Honduras with the World Pediatric Project providing life changing surgical repair to teenagers with advanced scoliosis. Caleb’s preparedness was unmatched along with his bedside manner. Many families were profoundly blessed by his skill and compassion. In 2019, Caleb and his family returned to Kansas City where he continued his professional career at Liberty Hospital. He continued his teaching role with UMKC. He was an exceptional practitioner, highly regarded and respected by his students and colleagues. He was an active member of the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, the Missouri Society of Anesthesiologists, the Missouri Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and the Kansas Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants. He was dedicated to the advancement of the profession in all ways.

Caleb was very talented and had so many endearing qualities. He always demonstrated in action, in word, and in spirit, fearlessness, kindness, compassion, consideration, class, inspiration, commitment, leadership, and humility. He always went above and beyond to lend a hand to anyone. He was a very active member of his off-road club, the Midwest Krawlers. He was the first one to encourage a new driver, help someone with a repair and celebrated every success on the trail.

Caleb was multi-talented and ingenious in all kinds of projects. He was a master problem solver and the ultimate mister-fix-it. He loved to cook, tinker with his Jeep and boat, and enjoy spending time with those he loved. He was always happy to host friends and family for a Chiefs game, a trip out to the lake, or simply to have a hearty meal and play games. He always worked to serve his family and home life continually making the home better, meals more impressive, the boat and vehicles more equipped, camping trips safer, and technology more efficient. Chiefs games were more enjoyed by all within earshot of him. His latest loaf of bread or microbrew was more fun to share with him there to tell you all about it. He loved being silly with his closest friends and creating wonderful memories. Some of his most favorite things to do were to teach his kids about cooking, using power tools correctly, and watching them succeed at and enjoy their various sports and activities. He was their biggest fan.

Caleb had a deep personal relationship with his Savior Jesus Christ, and was always ready to share his faith with others. He was a dedicated friend and was wonderful at sitting and listening, sharing words of encouragement, was always willing to be a comforting shoulder, shed a tear with you, say a prayer, and greet you with a big bear hug. He loved his family fiercely and instilled in his children a love for Jesus and the foundations of character – grace, integrity, kindness, respect and love.

Caleb was preceded in death by his grandfather Jimmie Hopkins, grandparents John and Barbara Glaser, and father-in-law, H. Wayne Hillman. He is survived by his wife Erin Hopkins (Hillman), daughter, Madeline, son, Micah, parents Mike and Joy Hopkins (Glaser), sister Michelle Carleton (Hopkins), brother-in-law Tim Carleton, grandmother M. Jean Hopkins, mother-in-law Pamela Hillman, sister-in-law Carly Pumphrey (Hillman,) brother-in-law, Britt Pumphrey, and seven nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be Friday, September 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation on Thursday, September 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., both at Antioch Bible Baptist Church, 800 NE 72^nd St., Gladstone, MO 64118.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made to the Hopkins Children’s Memorial Fund.

Direct donations may also be made through your banking app or via Zelle (no fees) to hopkinschildrensmemorialfund@gmail.com

Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3^rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063