ORD, Neb. — Donald Dale Popp, 88, died April 10, 2026, at Valley County Health System, Ord, Neb. He was born May 2, 1937 in Great Bend, Kan., the son of Herman T. and Esther M. (Steinert) Popp. Don graduated from Hoisington High School in 1955.
A lifetime resident of Barton County, Don began in the oilfield where he worked for Garvey Drilling Co. and L.D. Davis, he remained the steward of the family farm and after retirement continued to work as a county maintainer.
Don was a longtime member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Hoisington.
On July 1, 1960, he married Rudy Mae Armer in El Reno, Okla. They celebrated 55 years together before her passing on Nov. 15, 2015.
He is survived by his two sons, Greg Davidson and wife Marla, and DeWayne Davidson, all of Great Bend; daughter, Glendia Cloutier of Claremont, Fla.; son-in-law, J.P. Conrad of Burwell, Neb.; two sisters, Gloria Arnberger and husband Dennis, and Debbie Richardson, all of Great Bend; grandchildren, Conrad (Brenda) Unruh, Kayci (Ryan) Comeau, Carrie Davidson (Devin McGurk), Rebecca Davidson (Lorren Gordon), Derek Davidson, Bruce (Maggie) Conrad, Jessica (Evan) Goodwin; and numerous great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Donitta Conrad; brother, Duane ‘Peaches’ Popp; sister, Vida Singleton; nephews, Kevin Popp and Ronie Karst; and brother-in-law, John Richardson.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with family greeting friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 17, 2026, at Emmanual Lutheran Church, with Rev. Wayne Baldyga and Rhonda Templing, S.A.M. presiding. Burial will follow in Hoisington City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 14, 2026
