Roger Popkess

R oger K. Popkess, age 74, of Sabetha died Monday, October 27, 2014 at his residence.

He was born October 7, 1940 the son of William Robert Popkess and Iola Mae Wiltse Popkess in Sabetha.  He graduated from Sabetha High School in 1958.  He attended Baker University where he played football. He graduated with a degree in Mortuary Science from Dallas Institute in 1962.    He later graduated from Washburn University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1963.  He married Lanna Lee Volen January 26, 1963 in Clay Center, KS.  In 1963, Roger and Lanna returned to Sabetha where he worked with his parents at the Popkess Mortuary and operated the former Sabetha Ambulance Service. Roger and Lanna owned and operated the Popkess Mortuary serving Sabetha and the surrounding communities for over 40 years until their retirement.   He had served on the Sabetha Hospital Board of Directors for several years.  He was a member of the NorthRidge Church.  He was a longtime member of the Sabetha Golf Club.   He was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Moore and a daughter in law, Sara Jean Popkess.  He is survived by his wife of over 51 years, Lanna Popkess of Sabetha; two sons, Matt K. Popkess (Janelle) of Sabetha and Ed Popkess of Topeka; one sister, Sue Popkess-Vawter of Florence, Colorado; four grandchildren, Hogan Popkess of Hyde Park, NY, Hunter “Pete” Popkess of Sterling, KS, Blake Popkess and Emma Popkess, both of Sabetha.

Funeral services will be Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha.  Visitation is Wednesday evening 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sabetha Community Hospital or the Sabetha Golf Club sent in care the Popkess Mortuary 823 Virginia Sabetha, Kansas  66534.