Richard Elmer Kopp

Richard E. Kopp, CMSgt, Retired, passed away January 25, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas at the age of 80.

He was born October 5, 1943, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Richard enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1961 and retired after 27 years of service, achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.  For his second career, he worked at Lockheed Martin as a System Design Engineer. Richard received his graduate degrees from East Texas State University, and Texas A&M University - Commerce, while serving in the USAF and working at Lockheed.

The people who had the greatest impact on his life were his Dad, who was a scout leader and dressed as “Chief” during award ceremonies, his uncle, Ron who was his mentor, and his wife, Evelyn who contributed to his success in the Air Force and his life.

Richard enjoyed golfing and bowling.  He participated in various intramural sports while enlisted and felt athletics served an important function in military life with the development of camaraderie, leadership, and teamwork.    

Richard was most proud of his promotion to CMSgt, and Evelyn’s leadership achievements in the Wives Club, air shows, and fundraising efforts. Richard was known as the “life of the party”.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Clifford Kopp, and Edna Mae Brogan Kopp.

Survivors: Loving wife of 60 years, Evelyn Kopp; son, Richard E. Kopp of Niceville, Florida; daughters, Vicky Kopp (Michael Kent), and Michelle Kopp (Paul Lucas), both of Benbrook; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and sisters, Peggy McAninch, and Judith Lowe of Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, or trees may be planted in Richard's memory through the Arbor Day Foundation.

Interment with military honors: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy., Dallas, Texas 75211.