The Rev. Charles E. Hopson Dies

The Rev. Charles E. Hopson, the pastor of the in East Hampton, died unexpectedly on Monday.

The flags in the Town of East Hampton are flying at half-staff on Tuesday in honor of Hopson, who also served as the 's chaplain.

He was 59, according to Town Police Chief Ed Ecker.

Supervisor Bill Wilkinson said he would ask for a moment of silence for Hopson at the town board work session on Tuesday.

"I was fortunate to know Rev. Hopson and I not only valued his position as a pastor in the Calvary Baptist Church, but I valued his position as a leader in the community in the Town of East Hampton. He will be sorely missed," Wilkinson said earlier on Tuesday.

He also worked as the head custodian at .

Hopson is survived by his wife Sheila Hopson and three children; Detective Earl Hopson Jr., Shatina Hopson Moore and Shalyn Hopson.

The police chief said that Hopson had been the chaplain since 2004, but that he had known Hopson since the 1970s. "He really was a great man. He was not only great for the community, but he was a great spiritual leader of the police department."

Services will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church, 60 Spinner Lane, East Hampton. Visitation will take place on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and a funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Marvin Dozier officiating. Internment will follow at the Edgewood Cemetery on Edgewood Road in Bridgehampton. in Southampton is handling the details.