David Albert Popp was born November 8, 1935, on the family farm north of
Grainfield to Albert Jonathan and Mary Mabel (McWilliams) Popp. He went
to Harmony and Beehive one room schools and then Sheridan County High
School. His family moved to the "red line" in Graham County half a mile
from Sheridan County when he was in 7th grade.
He enjoyed football and was very successful at livestock judging.
He started farming at a young age. He graduated from high school in 1953
and attended one semester at Ottawa College. He was drafted into the
army in 1958, serving at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, Ft. Carson, CO, and Ft.
Lewis, WA.
It was at a "singspiration" with the church youth group while
stationed in Washington that he met Phoebe Lynn Shaner. They were
married in Tacoma on August 12, 1961. They started married life in
Sheridan County, Kansas, but had been married only a short time when
Dave was recalled to the army and again stationed in Washington state.
Kenneth David Popp was born in Tacoma in June of 1962.
The young family returned to Kansas and farm life, buying their home
thirteen miles southeast of Hoxie in 1963. Corinne was born in March,
1964. In May of 1966 the family suffered a terrible tragedy when Kenny
was killed in a farm accident. This tragedy strengthened their marriage
and their reliance on God. Kristin was born in September 1966, followed
by Laura in February 1968, Kevin in September 1969, and Lisa in August
1974.
Dave and Lynn cared for at least 12 other children as well, as
foster parents and in taking in children of friends and family. Dave
loved children, and was often seen holding a baby or toddler at church
or at another event. He taught Jr. High Sunday School for years.
Dave was a man of great faith, trusting in God for his salvation at
an early age and surrendering to Him his life. He was generous with his
money. He believed that it was God who brought success to his farm and
that he was privileged to be able to share what God had given him. He
rarely missed a church service, piling his family into the front of the
pickup even on muddy days.
He loved adventure and made at least eight trips to Alaska, one to
Portugal, and one to Mozambique. He was one of the first farmers in
Western Kansas to use AI to breed his cattle and was always interested
in innovation. He sheared sheep, piloted an ultralight plane and fixed
wing planes, and went everywhere with his horse, Duchess, in the back of
his pickup. People said he had “nine lives” as he was not afraid of
risk.
Although he enjoyed his crops, including wheat, milo, sunflowers,
etc., the cattle were his specialty. He owned cattle for about 70
years. He could call them and they would come running!
Dave and Lynn were married for 58 years when she went home to heaven
in October of 2019. Dave is now reunited with her, Kenny, his parents,
parents in law, brother Lorrel, sister in law Ruth, etc. He is
survived by his children, Corinne (Bob) Talbott, Kristin (Rick) Johnson,
Laura (Bryan) Anderson, Kevin (Karie) Popp, and Lisa Popp, and by
twelve grandchildren: Stephen Anderson, Donna Talbott, Jeni (Brandon)
Anderson Rutherford, Lincoln Talbott, Mitchel Johnson, Graham Talbott,
Grant Johnson, Chloe Johnson, Becky Anderson, Clay Johnson, Alyssa Popp,
and Riley Popp. He is also survived by his sisters Dorothy Cunningham,
Mary (Larry) Beaver, and Alberta (JD) Bittel, brothers Jim (Barb) Popp
and Conrad (Pam) Popp, sister in law Karen (Peter) Jordahl, as well as
many nieces, nephews, cousins, etc.
Dave was a man of faith, contentment, and integrity. We are very privileged to be his family and to carry on his legacy.
A Funeral Service is planned for Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at the
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 10:30 A.M. The service will be
livestreamed on the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Facebook Page.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 4, 2021 from Noon until 6:00
P.M. with family receiving friends from 4:30 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at the
Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Memorials are
suggested to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and may be sent in care
of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Word
of comfort may be left at mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.