John Popp Jr.

John W. Popp Jr. went home to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at 11:55 p.m. Thursday, July 7, 2016. His wife, family and pastors were gathered praying and singing John's favorite hymns at his home.

John was born Nov. 6, 1935, to John and Irene Popp at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He graduated from Central High School, class of 1954. He attended Southeast Missouri State University and later graduated from Oklahoma A&M in Okmulgee, with an associate's degree in agriculture.

On May 18, 1957, John married his high-school sweetheart, Barbara Daniels, at First Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau, where both were members.

John's first job took him and his bride to Amite, Louisiana, where he was a farm manager for a Dairy and Tongue Groove operation. Later they moved to the Oak Ridge community and rented a farm where he raised a large flock of sheep, Angus cattle, hogs and field crops from 1957 to 1968.

Popp was proud to be a part of the U.S. Naval Reserve Unit in Cape Girardeau, where he received an honorable discharge after eight years of service.

John was a chemist at Trojan Powder Co. from 1966 to 1968. He then was hired as a manager at Procter & Gamble. He and his family spent one year in Cheboygan, Michigan, (June 1968 to 1969) while training to open the Pampers plant in Cape Girardeau. Mr. Popp worked for P&G from 1968 to 1984. In 1984 he started the Independence Public Warehouse in Cape Girardeau and the Lee Avenue Warehouse in Jackson. He also served as the president and managed Georgell Properties Inc. He retired from business life in June 2006.

At that time, he returned to his real joy, gardening, at a small acreage in the Gordonville area.

John was a member of Gideon International, Cape Girardeau camp and on the board of directors for Teen Challenge International Mid-America of Cape Girardeau, where he served several terms as VP and a member of the corporate board.

He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Jackson since 1974. He served on numerous committees, including the education building committee from 1985 to 1986. He was a dedicated teacher in Sunday school. He began teaching at First Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, where he taught elementary-age boys. He later continued teaching fourth grade Sunday school with his wife, Barbara, for over 25 years at First Baptist in Jackson. John was a faithful participant of Wednesday evening prayer meetings and went on several mission trips, and also was a strong supporter of his wife's mission endeavors.

John was a loving husband to Barbara for 59 blessed years of marriage.

Barbara survives along with their three children, Steve (Terri) Popp of Jackson, David (Aimee) Popp of O'Fallon, Illinois, and Betsy (Norman) Schultz of Charlotte, North Carolina; a sister, Cathi Popp Smith of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and nine grandchildren, Blake Popp of Jackson, Jamie Popp Kiefer (Brian) of Jackson, Capt. Norman Popp stationed at RAF Mildenhall, England, Earl (Caleigh) Popp of Lubbock, Texas, DJ Popp (Courtney) of Minot, North Dakota, Matt Popp of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Amelia Popp of Jackson, Elliott Schultz and Ian Schultz, both of Charlotte; five great-grandchildren, London, Sydney and Kaleb Popp and Even and Owen Kiefer, all of Jackson.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Jackson.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with pastor Lucas Clabough officiating. A graveside service will be at a later date at Memorial Park.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to Gideon International Cape Girardeau Camp, Teen Challenge International Mid-America of Cape Girardeau or First Baptist Church, Mission Fund.

Arrangements are being handled by Ford and Sons Funeral Home-Jackson.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.