Larry Dean Poppa, the son of Grant William Henry and Agnes Louise (Voltmer) Poppa, was born October 30, 1945, in Hamburg, Iowa. He graduated from Rock Port High School, Rock Port, Missouri, in 1963.

On June 6, 1965, Larry was united in marriage to Cheryl Lynn Smith in Rock Port. Early in their married life they made their home in the Tarkio, Missouri area where he lived to the present time. Within a few years their family grew to include 3 children; Randy, Traci, and Michael.

Larry worked at the Ford garage and then owned and operated his own mechanic shop called Larry’s Repair until he retired. After retiring he helped his son, Michael, with his tree business. He loved to spend his free time camping, fishing, gardening, cooking, and racing. He owned a street stock race car and raced at Adams County Speedway, Corning, Iowa, for many years. In his later years, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren and spending time with his special friend, Mary Finnell. Larry passed away Sunday, January 13, 2013, at his home in Tarkio at the age of 67.

Besides his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his dear wife of 45 years, Cheryl, on August 9, 2010; granddaughter, Renee Poppa; and brother, Stanley Poppa. Survivors include his three children and thirteen grandchildren; son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Kristie Poppa and their children, Megan, Daniel, Sarah, Emily, Jordan, Timothy, Paul, and Samuel of Albany, Missouri; daughter and son-in-law, Traci and Jerry Martin and their children, Montana (Tanner), Trev, Tawni, and Tommi Lee of Westboro, Missouri; and son, Michael Poppa and fiancee, Kim Swygman, and his son, Austin, all of Tarkio. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Judy Poppa, Branson, Missouri, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services: 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 16, 2013, Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.
Interment: St. John’s Cemetery, Westboro, Missouri.
There is no scheduled family visitation.
Memorials: Larry Poppa Memorial Fund.
Online obituaries and condolences at www.minterfuneralchapels.com
Services: Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.