Kenneth Popp

Kenneth Joe Popp, age 94, of Waco, formerly of West, passed away late Christmas Eve morning, December 24, 2024 at Providence Health Center in West.

A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in West, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard. Kenneth will lie-in-state from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Aderhold Funeral Home.

Kenneth was born February 18, 1930 in West, the son of Joe and Elizabeth (Valek) Popp. He attended St. John Catholic School in Ennis and was a 1946 graduate of West High School, prior to attending Baylor University in Waco. On September 15, 1952 he was united in marriage to Lily Jane Mynarcik in West. Kenneth proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War for which he received three Presidential Unit Citations, the Chosen Few Award, a Purple Heart, a Korean Service Award, a Good Conduct Medal, and was part of the Inchon Landing and recapture of Soule, South Korea. Kenneth was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Waco. He was also a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Msgr. George Doskocil Assembly # 2391, West VFW Post #4819, SPJST Lodge #66, a member of several bowling leagues in Waco, Pioneer Club in Waco, and the American Legion Post #478 for which he served as a past commander for 31 years from 1987 to 2018. He worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, now AT&T, for 37 years before retiring in October of 1986. While there he received five Bell Star Awards. Kenneth enjoyed fishing, hunting, having a good pivo, gambling, going on cruises, traveling to the Czech Republic, and hosting family gatherings especially at Christmas time. He was known to be a big kid himself who loved telling war stories, and never met a dog he didn't like. 

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gordon Popp.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 72 years, Lily Jane Popp of Waco; a sister-in-law, Rose Mynarcik; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are Nathan Mynarcik, Alex Mynarcik, Philip Mynarcik, Chad Mynarcik, John Mynarcik, and Kenneth Mynarcik.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the City of West Museum or Fuzzy Friends Rescue.