Phillip Timothy “Tim” Popp
January 8, 1941 – November 22, 2018
On the morning of November 22, 2018, Tim’s prolonged illness and suffering came to an end when, in his home in East Helena, he left this earthly world to join the Lord in Heaven. He was 77 years old.
Tim was born January 8, 1941 to Vera and Bill Popp in Covington, Kentucky. He grew up, along with his younger brother Joe, in Florence, Kentucky. He graduated from Boone County High School in 1958, following which he joined the United States Army and served in the 101st Airborne.
In 1960, Tim married Carolyn Carnes, whom he had met and began dating in high school. Together they had two daughters: Robbin in 1963 followed soon after by Shawn in 1964. They later divorced.
In the spring of 1974, Tim met the love of his life, Ruth Ann Loughman. They married October 10, 1975, in an outdoor ceremony amidst the Rocky Mountains in Coal Creek Canyon, Colorado. In 1976, Tim and Ruth Ann moved to their forever home of Helena, Montana. It was here that they had two children: son Micah in 1980 and daughter Tara in 1986.
Tim’s time in the Army, introduced him to what turned out to be an almost 20 year passion–and how he met Ruth Ann–sky diving. As a sky diver, he made over 1000 jumps, was an instructor and rigger at the local jump club, and provided entertainment to hundreds of people during airshows and at Kings Island Amusement Park.
Early in life, Tim enjoyed many fast-moving hobbies including stock car racing and sky diving. But his love of the outdoors drew him west to pursue bigger and more pristine outdoor opportunities. After a short stay in Alaska, Tim moved into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, first living in Colorado, and then landing in Montana. It was in Montana where Tim was able to indulge in his passion for camping, hunting and fishing; renew his baseball skills, playing on and managing an over-30 league softball team, where he met numerous men whom became life-long friends; turned into a huge Denver Broncos fan; and, at age 62, took up archery and bow hunting, which resulted in numerous additional friendships.
In Montana Tim first worked as a truck driver, but found his place when he went to work for the State of Montana doing building maintenance on the Capitol complex. He worked for the State for over 20 years and retired at the age of 62.
Tim was always a man of faith, but his love for the Lord grew strong after he moved to Montana, thanks mainly to the love and support he received from the parish community of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena.
Tim is preceded in death by his parents Vera and Bill Popp. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann, of East Helena; son Micah Popp of Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and daughters Robbin (Tim) Talbert, Shawn (Tim) Popp, and Tara (Ezra) Wooten each of Helena; brother Joe (Bernie) Popp; and grandchildren: Shawna (Austin) Herolaga; Brad (Janelle) Popp; Erin Schuchart; Cory (Jaidyn) Popp; Daniel Talbert; Caleb Campbell; Sophie Popp; Grayson Wooten; and Ellison Wooten. He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren and two very special nephews and their families.
Tim’s love for his family and friends, passion for the outdoors, and strong belief in our Lord and Savior influenced countless people. He will be forever remembered for his fighting spirit, strong faith, and outpouring love.
The family gives a special thank you to Dr. Tom Weiner and his marvelous team for taking such wonderful care of Tim for many years. Tim considered you all not only health care providers but also friends.
Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at S S Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W Riggs Street in East Helena. A reception will follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the Church. The burial will follow the reception at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tim’s name are suggested to St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Tim
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 28, 2018
S S Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following Memorial Service
Wednesday November 28, 2018
S S Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday November 28, 2018
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Mon 59635
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 28, 2018
S S Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following Memorial Service
Wednesday November 28, 2018
S S Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday November 28, 2018
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Mon 59635
Share
Glen and Gloria Davis says
Our deepest sympathy is with Ruth Ann, Micha, Tara, Robyn, Shawn and their families at this sad time. Glen and I will always smile when thinking of Tim and the Popp family. We shared a lot of happy memories over the years together. Skydiving, moving west, playing on St. Cyril’s softball team, watching our children grow into adults and now watching the grandchildren grow. Where did the time go? Love you all and share in your loss.
Donna Mix says
RuthAnn, I’m so sorry to learn of Tim’s death. I always enjoyed gabbing with him when his work brought him to our office. After I retired, I looked for his occasional Letters to the Editor. My condolences to you and all your family.
Cathy Powell says
I love you Uncle Timmy,I have many good memories of you. Rest Easy Uncle,Love Sissy
Erica Carnes says
Our deepest sympathy and love to the entire family.We are thinking of you all. Sincerely, Greg and Erica
Mike and Sherri Crowley says
We are very sorry for your loss I will miss our conversations in the road about the weather and trying to figure out our government. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Mike and Sherri Crowley
Larry and Denise McCormick says
Ruth Ann and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. I’m sure he is in heaven making sure everything is politically correct. Our trip to the Holy Land was so memorable and especially because it brought the 4 of us together.
Our deepest sympathy to all his family. Prayers and hugs
Rhonda (Ramsey) Lesofski says
Ruth Ann I am so sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. I enjoyed all of our car pooling so many years ago. You were pregnant Mika then. My prayers are with you and your family.
James Keller says
My deepest sympathy to the Popp family. Tim will be missed very much.
kurt jenewein says
Ruth Ann, Micah, Tara and the Popp family,
I am sorry to hear of Tim’s passing…My sincere condolences to you all.
Prayers,
Kurt, Carla, Ross Jenewein
Brother Joe and Bernie says
Ruth Ann,Micah, Tara,Robin, Shawn and Families. Joe and I want to send our prayers and sympathy your way. We will always cherish the fun times we always had at your place with family gatherings,with always great barbecues or whatever event. We are having tears of sadness cause Timmy will be so missed, but also tears of joy knowing he is pain free and praising God for bringing him home. RIP Timmy, God Bless all of you, Love You!
Tony Popp says
I will forever be grateful to a man that showed me the Importance of family, friends and the love of God! There will be forever a place in my heart for” Uncle Tim”.
Lisa Lopez says
RuthAnn, Micah, Tara and family,
My deepest sympathy for such a great loss. Uncle Tim is in a beautiful place watching over all of his loved ones. I have many fond memories of softball games, barbecues and camping trips. May you find peace in warm and happy memories. Rest In Peace Uncle Tim.
Shawn Popp says
Dad i will love and miss you forever.You were a great man father.Rest now and fly high.I will think of you everyday.And as we always said LUAW
Nikki Cory says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Tim LaBrec, Nikki Cory, Lee Cory
Mrs Funchess says
Dear Family
I’m sorry for your loss and I pray for your comfort. Please keep in mind that our Heavenly Father and God promises he will resurrect those who are sleeping in death. ( John 5:28,29) This means they will come back to life and we will see them again.
Until that day comes, look to Jehovah God for comfort ( 2 Corinthians 1:3,4) He will never fail you.