Erthel Leon Popplewell

Erthel Leon Popplewell passed from this life on Monday, September 30, 2024, with his loving family by his side.  He was 83 years old.  Born in Russell Springs, Ky. on March 3, 1941.  Erthel Popplewell was the beloved son of the late Rev. Henry and Edna Popplewell of Russell County, Ky.  Through them he learned the importance of hard work, value of love, kindness, respect for and of others.

He is survived by two sisters, Rosie Zimmerman, Norwood, Ohio, Juanita Foley (and Steve), Columbia, Ky., and two brothers, J.C. Popplewell (and Melinda), McKenzie, TN., and Clifton Popplewell (and Jenny), Cadiz, Ky. and one sister-in-law, Betty Popplewell.

He has many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews as well as many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Addielen Dunbar (and Jack), and one brother Marshall Popplewell, and one brother-in-law, Avalynn Zimmerman.

At an early age, Erthel became an excellent basketball player.  After High School and College basketball he left a teaching legacy of being “Mr. Pop” at Creston Jr. High School in Indianapolis, Indiana for 31 years.  He was respected and loved by his students and faculty so that in his honor while coaching, the gymnasium was named Erthel Popplewell.  In addition to his love for basketball he enjoyed music, playing the guitar, fishing and going with family on vacations to fish.  He always loved a good joke and the surprises he would get when family played pranks on him.  He always wanted to maintain the value of keeping his house in order, never anything misplaced.  He persevered to keep his lawn cut and everything trimmed to his perfection. 

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. C.S.T. on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Pine Grove Cemetery with his brother J.C. Popplewell officiating.  Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in Eli, Russell Springs, KY.

His pallbearers are Trent Zimmerman, Clint Zimmerman, Travis Foley, Jason Popplewell, Robin Popplewell, and Daniel Hadley.

In lieu of flowers the family request contributions be made to Pine Grove Cemetery in Eli, Russell Springs, KY, c/o Garnett McBeath, 5540 S. Hwy 76, Russell Springs, KY 42642.

Funeral arrangements for Mr. Erthel Leon Popplewell are under the care and direction of Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.

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