Roy Alan Popkey, 60, passed away April 8, 2026, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Born in Dearborn, Michigan on October 12, 1965, to Ralph and Hazel Joan Popkey. He was raised in Lyons, Kansas by George and Hazel Joan Quick.

He enjoyed taking his mom to bingo, traveling and anything to do with computers and programming, sports (especially the Kansas City Chiefs), and fishing and gaming with his stepsons and grandson.

Roy often spoke fondly of each and every one of his siblings. He was very proud of his stepsons and always referred to them as a bonus when he married.

Roy was most proud of his military service in the U.S. Army especially being a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne and his work at the light infantry training command air assault school, as well as being a part of the 10th mountain division. He had great stories to share over the years. Roy was athletic, and he lettered in many sports in high school; he was a strong swimmer and a certified diver.

He was a computer programmer, and he got into robotics and automation while working for H.P. Hood. After the military service, he became a licensed journeyman plumber, and that was his career. At one point he started a small plumbing company.

We finally called Roy macho geek because he was tough and highly intelligent and excelled at anything he set his mind to; he encouraged and inspired others. He was always there for someone if they were in need or in trouble. Roy had a very positive can-do attitude, and that spilled over onto the people around him.

Roy had a terrible stroke in 2008 that left him paralyzed doctors said months, but he proved them wrong; he soldiered on. In 2023, Roy was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. We faced it together bravely, but it finally took him.

Roy is survived by his wife, Christine Popkey, eight brothers and sisters, Sherri, Rose, Ralph, Terri Jo, Christopher, Jerry Dean, Joseph and Cynthia. Roy was the middle child and shared many fond memories and stories over the years of his childhood growing up in Lyon's, Kansas. Three stepsons, John, Tony and Curtis, and loved his daughters-in-law dearly. He was Grandpa to nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, whom he spoke of them often.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Special thank you and praise for the following Teamsters for helping your brother in need. The veteran's administration for being there for Roy, all these 18 years, with care equipment, medications and anything that he needed to improve his quality of life. There are no words for the great deeds that you do.

Hospice for excellent in-home care, A heartfelt hug to Beverly and the rest of the staff.

A special thank you to family members; Jerry and Rose, Allen and Terri Jo, Sherri, Christopher, my sons and my sisters for being there for me, his wife at the end.

Roy Alan, you were larger than life, you were my hero, I will love you forever, until we meet again.

Celebration of life to be held at a later date.