John A. Hull

At the age of 91, John Alvin Hull, affectionately known as “Judge Hull” and “Mayor Hull” went to be with the Lord on October 17, 2024. He was born on February 1, 1933 in Antelope (now Ft. Cavazos), Texas to Johnnie and A. T. Hull. Having polio as a child taught him independence, perseverance in the face of adversity, and the value of a strong character. There was nothing John could not do once he set his mind to it. His persistence and determination helped him achieve the many goals in life he set for himself. For example, during high school he drove an old Model T with a bucket for a seat and used his cane to push the gas pedal.

John was a graduate in the Class of 1950 from Copperas Cove High School where he was named an “Outstanding Graduate of Copperas Cove High School” by the Copperas Cove Education Foundation. During high school he worked at Hull’s Gulf Station and after graduation he attended Draughon Business College, graduating in 1952. He then worked as a photographer at Ft. Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) and later helped his wife Shirley with their photography business, Hull’s Photography.

On July 26, 1952, John married the love of his life, Shirley Dionne Fritz, and they were blessed with 3 children, John Jr., Lonnie, and Linda. In the 1950’s and 60’s he was a volunteer firefighter for 20 years in Copperas Cove and drove the fire truck. The City of Copperas Cove honored him by naming a fire station after him in 2016 for being a lifetime servant of the community. He loved to go golfing, fishing, hunting and was even a dominoes champion. He supported his children in all their activities by coaching and sponsoring little league teams, riding club, quarterback club, 4-H and FFA events. He was an avid CCHS fan, very active in the quarterback club, and filmed the football games for 20 years.

John loved serving the community and attending events throughout the city and the county. He served on the Copperas Cove School Board for over 20 years and had the honor of presenting each of his children their high school diploma at graduation. John’s public service included roles as City Councilman, Mayor of Copperas Cove, Coryell County Commissioner, and Coryell County Judge. He cherished traveling around the county meeting people and attending local events. If there was an event happening anywhere in the county, you could be assured to see John Hull there.

During his retirement years, John especially enjoyed meeting his friends for morning and afternoon coffee at McDonald’s. John and Shirley were both active members of Grace United Methodist Church and loved supporting the Fall Festival –especially purchasing the coconut pies made by Coleen Timmons.

Judge Hull served in many organizations during his lifetime such as: Central Texas Council of Governments, Resource Conservation District, and Hill Country Community Action. He was also active in local organizations such as the Lions Club and was a recipient of the Exchange Club Golden Deeds Award.

During his lifetime, John received many awards and recognitions honoring him for his service to the community—too many to name them all. John was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a Master Mason for over 50 years and received the Masonic Lodge Golden Trowel Award. He was a member of the Shriners ‘Rat Patrol’ and loved riding those little red cars in the parades. At age 68, Judge Hull received national recognition for his many years of public service and was presented with the Tom Bradley Leadership Award.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and A.T. Hull, his sisters, Juanell Dubose and Jackie Partlow, brother Dale Hull and son-in-law Gary Hopson.

John A. Hull is survived by his wife of 72 years, Shirley, his sons John Jr. and wife Debra, Lonnie and wife Pam, and daughter Linda, and his brother Jim Hull and wife Gaye. He is the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren: Kelly Tingle and husband Travis, John (Trey) Hull III, Kyle Hull and wife Tiffani, Kolby Hull and wife Lacy, April Grigsby and husband James, Steven Day, Gary Paul Hopson and wife Krissy, and Gage Hopson. John was blessed with several great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The Texas State Flag from the state capitol was presented to the Hull’s on their 50th wedding anniversary and was placed on the casket in lieu of flowers.

In his passing, we remember a life marked by unwavering service, deep love for family, and tireless dedication to the betterment of our community. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the causes he championed, and the family he cherished. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit will continue to inspire kindness, leadership, and unity for generations to come.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:3-4

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Copperas Cove Animal Shelter.

A Time of Visitation at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home for John will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service at Grace United Methodist Church will be on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The Interment to follow in the Copperas Cove City Cemetery.