David Hopton PHD
COLUMBUS - David was born January 17, 1939 in Bismarck, North Dakota. He was the son of the late Gene and Marie Carroll Hopton. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 29, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio.
David was a true renaissance man, with over 50 years spent in service to the arts. His talents and skills were utilized in a variety of ways over his career, serving as an arts administrator, lecturer, educator, writer, opera producer, performer, painter, sculptor and set designer.
He held an MA in the History of Art, and a PHD in College (Arts) Administration from The Ohio State University. During his early career, he served as a member of The Ohio State University’s administrative staff for the Arts. As a self-described “trouble-shooter,” he held several positions including Assistant to the Director of the School of Art, Director of the Hopkins Hall Art Gallery, Associate Director of the OSU Mershon “Great Artist Series,” and Assistant to the Dean of the College of the Arts.
David is best remembered in partnership with his adored wife of 53 years, Bronwynn Ruth Hopton (née Rieppel). Together, they worked as theater artists and parented three beautiful children. He served as Executive Director of the Central Ohio Theatre Company, which they founded together. They toured as the “Chamber Theatre Consort,” sharing the lives and work of historical female composers. As educators, Bronwynn taught theater at Thomas Worthington High School for decades. David served as her Technical Director, creating stage sets for over 200 productions.
David was predeceased by his parents, and brothers Gene II and Edward Frederick III. He is survived by his wife, daughter Myvonwynn Hopton-ahmed (Razi Ahmed), daughter Hillery Bronwynn Hopton, son Perrigene Hopton, grandchildren Zara and Rohan Ahmed, sister Carroll Johnson, sister-in-law Shari Hopton, brothers-in-law Kurt and Karl Rieppel, nieces and nephews Jen Hopton, John Hopton, John Rieppel, James Rieppel, Kate Rieppel and their families.
A Celebration of Life will be held June 11, 2023 at 2pm at the Mcconnell Arts Center of Worthington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Worthington Chamber Orchestra and the Mcconnell Arts Center of Worthington.