John Wayne Poppell

December 28, 1931 - February 14, 2022

John Wayne Poppell born December 28, 1931 went to be with the Lord on February 14, 2022 at the age of 90. Wayne was born in Floresville, TX to Albert Russell Poppell and Gussie Cox Poppell. He married the love of his life Dorris in 1966 and moved to San Antonio where they raised 4 children. Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorris Sjorlund Poppell, his brother and two sisters. He is survived by his children, Laura Zaiontz and husband Karl, Gail Jackson and husband Ernest, Dwayne Colley, Ruth Becker and husband Wes, 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Wayne went to work for Southern Pacific Railroad at the age of 18. He was drafted into the Army at the age of 22 and spent some time in Korea. He was honorably discharged from the Army at the age of 24, where he returned to the railroad as a welder. He retired from the railroad at the age of 62. Wayne’s favorite past time was farming watermelons and gardening. He was referred to by many as “Watermelon Wayne”. He enjoyed to barbeque and was known for his famous brisket and jalapeno cheese pie. We will miss his smile, sweetness and sense of humor but are thankful he is with the Lord. We would like to give a special thank you to his wonderful caregivers Penny, Brittany and Maggie. You were all a blessing to him and us. The family would like to give a special thanks to the Pallbearers: Orrin Jackson, Billy Bass, Travis Stewart, Dylan Cranford, Weldon Jackson and Brian McAlexander and Honorary Pallbearers: Roger Garcia and Clint Nelle. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral Service will be celebrated on Friday, March 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South with interment to follow at Mission Burial Park South.