Carl Ropp
July 22, 1926 - January 13, 2023
Friday, January the 13th, was a fabulous day for Carl Ropp as he moved from his lifelong residency in Dewey to his new eternal residence in heaven.
Carl lived a long, wonderful, adventurous, loving life. He was born July 22, 1926, to "Mike" Walter R. and Betty Sue (Haggard) Ropp. Carl's childhood family home was located at Coon Creek Park, east of Dewey. It was a wonderful place to grow up. The Ropp boys loved to fish, hunt, swim, raft and explore.
Their home and surroundings were a popular place year-round but especially during the summer. It was not uncommon that multiple friends and cousins would stay with them a week or two at a time. Their Mom never knew how many kids were going to show up at mealtime, so she always cooked extra food, including 10 pounds of potatoes for most meals.
Carl's dad was a foreman at Dewey Portland Cement Company, but the family also farmed and ranched. Carl and his brothers worked hard but they also played hard.
Carl was a Eagle Scout at the age of 14 and in 1944 was selected by the Tulsa World and Daily Oklahoman to be on the All State Football teams, as a first team running back.
He was drafted in 1945 during the second semester of his senior year in high school, but he had enough credits to graduate while serving with the Navy in Japan. Carl was awarded the Victory and the American Campaign Medals for service with the Navy during World War II.
After his honorable discharge in 1946 he attended and played football at Independence, Kansas, Junior College.
He met Billie Joan Blount in 1948 and they were married in 1951. The loving couple celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary last fall.
Carl worked at Reda Pump Company and retired after 37 years of service.
He loved to play and watch all sports, and he loved to hunt, fish, and ski. He also loved to dance, but his passion was gardening. He grew some fabulous vegetable gardens and very awesome flowers.
Carl and Joan loved being parents. They loved to do things as a family and have many great family memories. Many pregame and late-night meals were hosted at their home. Rick, Chris and friends included their parents in many of their fun activities. The Ropp Christmas break poker games will live on in infamy. They liked to watch their sons play sports, especially Chris when he played college football. For decades Carl and Joan had reserved seats for Dewey football games until a few years ago.
During their retirement they loved to spend time at their home at Grand Lake, fishing, boating and entertaining. They also enjoyed traveling within the lower 48 states.
Carl donated countless hours helping various organizations, along with helping family and friends.
Carl belonged to various organizations and served as an officer in a several of them. Including the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 610, Grand Lodge of Oklahoma A.F. & A.M. No. 644, Scottish Rite of Free Masonry 32nd Degree, Veterans of Foreign Wars Life Member Post 1099, DAV Life Member, American Legion Post 0105. Many years ago, Carl served as an Explorer Scout leader.
Carl never met a stranger. He was blessed with a very large family and many, many friends, and he loved them all equally.
Special thanks to all of his nieces, nephews, and friends, and especially nephew Jerry and his niece Vickie and neighbors Don and Gary for all of the help they provided during his time of need. Thanks to the staff at Medicalodge of Dewey, The Journey Home, and Cornerstone Hospice for the wonderful care they provided during the past month.
Carl is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Joan; their two sons, Rick and his wife Nancy, and Chris and his wife Cathey; many nieces and nephews, including special niece, Vickie Ropp Sprague, who helped care for Carl; sister, Florence Jackson Hedges; sister-in-law, June Ropp; granddaughter, Madison Ropp and her fiancé Lukasz Dabrowski; step-grandchildren, Lisa, Dan, Kevin, and Ryan; and numerous other family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers, William Ropp, Edward Ropp, Henry Ropp, John Ropp, Ray Ropp, Walter Ropp Jr., and George Ropp; two sisters, Betty Ropp and Martha Ropp; daughter-in-law, Jean Ropp; and step-grandson, Jason.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Washington County Chapter 65, 300 Angus, Dewey, OK 74029; or to The Journey Home, 900 NE Washington Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006.
Visitation and memorial services are being held at two separate locations. Visitation will be from 10-8 Thursday, January 19, 2023, Davis Family Funeral Home - Dewey Chapel, 113 S. Osage Ave., Dewey, OK 74029. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2023, at Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory - Walker Brown Chapel, 4201 Nowata Rd., Bartlesville, OK 74006. Pastor Tuney Ropp Sr. will be the officiant. Interment will follow at Dewey Cemetery. Services and interment are under the direction of Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences and remembrances may be left at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.
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