Rex Hopson

Rex Hopson, 90, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2023. Rex Carroll Hopson was born June 12, 1933, in Mound, Texas. He was the younger twin to his brother, celebrated hymnist Hal Hopson, and the tenth of thirteen children born to Reuben S. and Pearl Hopson. A graduate of Baylor University, he went on to complete three graduate degrees at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, George Peabody College/Vanderbilt University, and the University of Denver. He also studied at Panama Canal Zone College, University of New Mexico, Adams State University, Texas Christian University, New Mexico Highlands University, Sam Houston State University, and Mary Hardin Baylor University.

A scholar, Rex held positions as an educator in multiple US states as well as Central American countries during his extended stays abroad. For most of his professional life, he was a librarian and professor of librarianship at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. He was active in professional library organizations at all levels, including the American Library Association. He was listed in Marquis' WHO'S WHO IN THE WEST as well as other professional who's who publications. Post retirement in 1986, he maintained his love of books and established Chamisa Bookshop in Albuquerque, which he owned and operated for twelve years before selling the shop to focus on enjoying his life and travels.

Rex served in the US Coast Guard Reserve and retired as a Chief Petty Officer. On several occasions, he performed annual and extended duty at US Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC. There he did research projects for the Coast Guard Historian utilizing records at the National Archives, the Library of Congress and other major DC libraries.

His extensive world travels culminated in the exploration of 68 countries. A deep interest in genealogy brought to light his family and ancestral history. His articles on his ancestors have been published in countless journals, periodicals, and county history books. As a distant cousin of George Washington and fifteen other US presidents, he was qualified to join most of the established honorary hereditary societies of the United States.

Rex is survived by several siblings and many nieces and nephews; best friend, Joe Herrera of Albuquerque; and many close friends from around the globe.

Rex nobly donated his body to science; thus no funeral will be held. A memorial/celebration of life will take place on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Zia Park, 400 block of Jefferson St. NE. Gather at 2:00 p.m. with Ceremony at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the UNM Zimmerman Library.