Thomas Pophin

Thomas R. Pophin, 91, of Robinson, TX, passed away Tuesday, September 7, 2021. A visitation will be from 6 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 14, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Drive, Waco, TX. A private burial will be followed by a Celebration of Life at Meadowbrook Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m.
Thomas was born July 19, 1930, in Hewitt, TX, to Raymond and Loraine Baldwin Pophin. He married Joy Marie Crockett on February 11, 1954. He worked as a truck driver and retired from Yellow Freight. After retirement, he worked as an upholsterer. Tom was a long-time member and servant of Meadowbrook Baptist Church, and he loved his church and his church family.
Tom was a selfless person who did for others without expecting anything in return. He drove the bus for youth group trips and went on numerous mission trips to Montana and Colorado. He faithfully helped to build two of the church’s buildings. Members and guests were greeted with his smile, kids couldn’t wait to share a high five with him, and in later years he greeted many with a hearty “Haw”. Thomas willingly helped with anything Joy volunteered him for.
Tom loved Boy Scouts. He was a Boy Scout as a youngster and got to go to Camp Philmont. When his son, Tommy was a boy, he became Boy Scout Scout Master where he influenced many boys’ lives.
He loved his family dearly. Many camping trips pulling a pop-up camper took the family on vacations to Texas state parks. After the kids left home, he and Joy joined the Good Sam’s Camping Club and camped with many friends monthly. He was known as “Shorty”, “Papa”, “Uncle Papa” and the “Great Pillow” because his grandchildren loved to lay on his stomach and take naps. He also had two dachshunds, Copper and Mocha, whom he adored. He was a big fan of the Robinson Rockets and the Baylor Bears. Thomas loved good food, and you could find him at Shipley Do-Nuts in Robinson daily, except Sunday, eating the Grumpy Special, named after him. He also enjoyed the banana pudding at the Rocket Café. But the best “nanner” pudding was made by his loving wife, Joy.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jimmy Pophin; and his brothers Trice Pophin and Earl Pophin.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joy Pophin; his children, Danny Pophin and wife Diane; Karen Pophin, and Tommy Pophin and wife Barbara; brothers, Weldon Pophin and Mickey Pophin; his grandchildren Amy Wall and husband Scott, Matt Pophin and wife Nicole, Adam Pophin and wife Kelsi, Nathan Pophin, Robert Grebel and wife Jennifer, Deborah Grebel-Becker and husband Kevin, Katie Grebel, Thomas Pophin, and Bethany Pophin; and seventeen great-grandchildren, and a host of friends.
Memorials can be made to Meadowbrook Baptist Church and Friends for Life.
Masks will be required at the visitation and Celebration of Life.