Jack “Poppy” Poppenhager, 90, of Canton died Nov. 19, 2023, at Graham Hospital in Canton.Jack “Poppy” Poppenhager, 90, of Canton died Nov. 19, 2023, at Graham Hospital in Canton.
He was born Feb. 23, 1933, in Summum, a son of Wayne and Wanda Howard Poppenhager.
He married Joan Derry on Feb. 4, 1951, in Palmyra, Mo. She survives.
Also surviving are his nieces and nephews including, Lyn Pedigo, Amy (and Tom) Ingles and Jim (and Trina) Poppenhager; and several great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Roger Poppenhager.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and in 2021 received an Official Proclamation for being an Ambassador for Peace. He later worked for International Harvester Company in Canton, retiring in 1983. He was the oldest person ever to go through the IH apprenticeship at age 39.
He enjoyed flying and worked as a commercial pilot and as a private flight instructor. He was a founding member of the International Cessna 120-140 Association and was the first elected president.
He also was an Auxiliary Police officer for the Canton Police Department and was awarded Canton Police Department Auxiliary Officer of the Year for 2010, 2014 and 2016.
Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton per his wishes. Inurnment was held at the Astoria Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Jan. 20, at Canton VFW, 1200 S. 5th Ave., Canton. Military honors, 11:30 a.m.; meal, noon; and live music, 1-3 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Humane Society.
Condolences may be sent to www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus