Chief Warrant Officer 4 (U.S. Army Retired) Reagan E. Popplewell
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Posted by: Ward Wilson
Date: Dec 11 2017 12:31 PM
Ward Wilson Memory Hill Funeral Home Cemetery and Crematory
2414 Hartford Highway
Dothan, Alabama 36305
334-792-4194
Reagan E. Popplewell
Chief Warrant Officer 4 (U.S. Army Retired)
Chief Warrant Officer 4 (U.S. Army Retired) Reagan E. Popplewell died at home on December 8, 2017 surrounded by his loving family and the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.
Reagan was born September 13, 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri to the late Reagan and Alvie (Fox) Popplewell. He joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 and served with the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War as a demolition specialist. He was one of only a handful of men from his unit to survive the Chosin Reservoir battle when overrun by Chinese troops in November of 1950. He left the Marine Corps in 1956 and joined the Air Force where he was a flight engineer on C-119 and C-124 aircraft.
Because of his childhood dream to become a helicopter pilot, he joined the Army in 1962, applied for Flight School and received a direct appointment to Warrant Officer. He completed his primary flight training at Ft. Wolters, Texas, graduating the advanced portion at Fort Rucker, AL in 1965. Later, he was awarded the Master Aviator Badge. He served two tours in Vietnam, Germany and other stateside assignments. The highlight of his military career was the honor of participating in the POW exchange at the end of the Vietnam War as a pilot for General Roseborough. After serving in the Armed Forces for over 30 years, he retired in 1983 and continued residing in Dothan, Alabama.
He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and was a member of the Chapel Class Life Connection Group.
Reagan was a man of great integrity who could be counted on for truth and fairness in all situations. He was a mentor to many young people and an inspiration to all lives he touched. He believed in the goodness of his fellow man, always putting the needs of others before his own--a true hero in every respect. He loved his Lord, family, church and country with heart and soul.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janice (Jan), a son, Ronald Popplewell, two daughters, Gina Popplewell Humphrey (Gregory) and Judith Popplewell Johnson (Randy); grandchildren Tommy Golden, Ashli Golden, Craig Dowling, Troy Golden, Matthew Humphrey (Leah), Brett Lamberth (Lia) and Jessica Greycen Johnson; great-grandchildren James, Haley, Lailyn, Clara, Abby, Megan, Eva, Hudson, Rhyan, Elijah Reagan, Ezekiel, Briggs, and Arieus.
A special thanks to Dr. Mary Misischia, Dr. Hejal Patel, Dr. Calvin Reid, Brigette Johnson, RN, and the staff at Covenant Hospice for their compassionate, loving care.
Family will begin receiving visitors at 1pm, followed by a joyous Celebration of Life Service at 2pm, December 22, at Calvary Baptist Church, 901 Montezuma, Dothan AL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Chosen People International, P.O. Box 3189, Monument, Colorado 80132.
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