Lee “Bob” Popp, 76 of Russell passed away unexpectedly on October 31, 2010 in Kansas City.

Bob was born March 11, 1934 in Hoisington, Kansas the son of Ben and Marie (Ehrlich) Popp.  He grew up in Hoisington and Russell, graduating from Russell High School in 1952.    He attended Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina then went into the military.  He served his country in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany.  After the service he attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, graduating January 29, 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Bob was united in marriage to Nancy Lou Cotham on August 13, 1967 in Russell.  This union was blessed with two children, Kelly and Mark.  Nancy preceded him in death on January 27, 2003.

Bob was employed as a life insurance agent for Union Central Life Insurance for over 50 years. 

Bob was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church.  He also belonged to the Russell Elks Lodge, the Isis Shrine and the Russell V.F.W.  Bob was a passionate supporter of Kansas State University athletics, and when he wasn’t attending one of his beloved Wildcat football basketball or other sporting events, he could be found attending local middle school and high school sporting events.  He was a lifelong sports lover, working in his spare time as a referee and track starter.  Bob was very proud of his family, and loved discussing the sports accomplishments of his grandchildren.  He especially enjoyed traveling with his family.

Surviving family include his daughter, Kelly Kley and husband David of McPherson, Kansas; son, Mark Popp and wife Rebecca of Tonganoxie, Kansas; brother, Dennis Popp of Rapid City, South Dakota; sister, Sharon LaBelle and husband Don of Overland Park, Kansas; and three grandchildren, Eric, Hannah and Zachary.  He was preceded by his parents and wife Nancy.

Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, November 5, 2010 at St. John Lutheran Church of Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell with the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard conducting military rites.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. Thursday, November 4, 2010 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M.   Memorials have been established with the St. John Lutheran Church or the Russell High School Athletic Department.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.