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Thomas Popcheff Obituary
Thomas Mark Popcheff, passed away from the COVID 19 virus on his 69th birthday, April 5, 2020. Tom was born April 5, 1951 to George T. and Mary H. Popcheff.
He attended St. Christopher School and graduated from Speedway High School. A proud graduate of Purdue University, Tom studied Political Science and Business Administration and was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.
Tom served as Director of Administration for Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing , Inc. and as Chief Administrative Officer of the International Honor Society of Nursing Building Corporation. He retired in 2017 at which time he was inducted into the Society's honorary membership.
Tom also had a 15 year career in State government where he served as Deputy Commissioner of the State of Indiana Department of Administration. He was a past president of Indiana Society Association Executives and was named 2014 Association Professional of the year. Tom was the recipient of numerous other awards, including the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award, bestowed by the State of Indiana.
Following his retirement, Tom became actively involved with the town of Speedway where he grew up and resided. He served on the Speedway Library Board and had been President of the Speedway Redevelopment Commission for the last two years. He was also in the process of helping to form the Speedway Historical Society.
Tom never knew a stranger, and was liked and admired by all who knew him. He was an avid fan of the Colts and Pacers and of his beloved Boilermakers. He loved the Indianapols 500. The month of May was his favorite time of year, and he spent countless hours at IMS photographing all the sights, cars, and drivers. Tom also enjoyed watching baseball and playing golf. And he loved just hanging out with friends and family. We will miss him dearly.
Tom is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters, Nikki (Kyle) Johnson, Alexa (Doug) Price, Kristin (Tim) Meador, Mia (Justin) Farrell; son, Nick (Chen Jing) Claxton; brother, Ed Popcheff; grandchildren, Quinn, Laney, Brody Johnson; Zander, Sawyer Price; Maddy, Blake Farrell; Eric, James Claxton; and many more cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Teddi Zorich; and brother, Tony Popcheff.
The Popcheff family would like to thank Methodist Hospital and their staff of dedicated professionals. They acted as family for Tom when we couldn't be there, and we appreciate their kindness. We also thank the Town of Speedway for their tribute to Tom. And we would like to encourage friends and colleagues to remember Tom as they continue to support their local businesses during this trying time.
A small private service will be held, and a Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.
Arrangements by Conkle Funeral Home, Speedway.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Popcheff
Michael Roach
May 11, 2020
I would like to offer my condolences to Karen, his daughters as well as other family members. Tom was such an excellent person, he was a quiet leader, always striving to keep us on the true path. He helped me in many ways in my career, helping me to stay better balanced and get a good foothold to get up that ladder. I will never forget some of the things he did for me. I regret that I've not seen him recently and I will miss him.
Mary Westerbeck
April 20, 2020
Tom was a gem-a one of a kind gentle spirit that always showed respect and kindness to everyone he met. He will truly be missed. Heaven got another angel the day Tom passed and we have lost an amazing individual. Mary Westerbeck
Jan Davis
April 20, 2020
I am saddened to read this! My heart goes out to Tom's family. I knew, and worked in the same building with Tom for many years. God bless his family, as they deal with their loss.
Chris Zorich
April 18, 2020
I was so sorry to hear of Toms untimely passing. He was a great man and loved by all. I am proud to say he was a friend and brother in law. He will be missed. Karen you and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love you all
John Emerson
April 17, 2020
So sorry for Karen and family for Toms loss. What an upbeat and caring gentleman he was. His friendship will be missed but not forgotten. RIP Tom!
Stephen Haddon
April 17, 2020
I was so shocked and brokenhearted at the news of Tom's passing. He was always so nice and cordial to me when I would see him at race time. He always impressed me as a true gentleman. I will never forget Tom, and I am praying for you and Tom, especially during this most trying of times. Tom affected me in ways that I cannot explain. I'm sure he also did with everyone he came in contact with. May God's Blessings be with You and Tom.
Steve Haddon
Marlys Pedigo
April 17, 2020
For Mia, your family and friends,
My prayers are with you all during this sad time. Your words were a beautiful tribute to his life and love of family, friends and community.
Gwen Sherwood
April 17, 2020
So grateful for Tom and his role model to us through his work at Sigma. Always professional, dedicated, warm, kind, and dependable, you could trust what he told you.
Gwen
April 17, 2020
Such gratitude to Tom for the way in which he worked with all of us in Sigma. His work ethic, dedication, integrity, and professionalism were hallmarks of his career and serve as a model for us in his memory. Blessings to all of you. Gwen Sherwood, Sigma Board 2007-2011
Gary Raikes
April 16, 2020
Thankful for the opportunity to become friends with Tom and to be mentored with him the past 12 years.
Lori and I are praying for Karen and the rest of Tom's family. We want you to know our community would prefer to see them in person, and looks forward to doing after COVID-19 sheltetlr in order.
April 15, 2020
Our deepest condolences to your family, He always touched our heart. He will never be forgotten. We are praying for your family.
Steve & Susan Fines
Kathy Harbaugh
April 13, 2020
So sorry to hear of Toms passing. Enjoyed chatting with him at the Bloom Symposium. Let the perpetual light shine upon Tom.
Cousin Lee
April 13, 2020
Hi, I want to express my condolences to all and that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God has blessed me with you all as my family and I thank Him everyday for that, I love each and everyone of you. ❤❤
Roxanne and Bob Loomis
April 13, 2020
Our deepest condolences to Tom's family and many friends. He was a dear and long-time friend who gave us many happy memories over the years. We will greatly miss Tom.
Julie Jones
April 13, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing . He was such a cheerleader during my cancer journey. I met Tom at STTI and we bonded over racing. He learned that I also raced cars in Vermont. He had so much love and life that he shared with everyone he meets. I can't imagine what Karen and family are going through. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Thanks,
Julie
Tom and Julie at STTI Headquarters
Julie Jones
April 13, 2020
Jane Reynolds
April 13, 2020
To live in one's heart is not to die..... Tom lives on in many hearts.
I always thought I'd see you again.... God Bless your family. You left them too soon yet with many memories, lessons, love and legacy.
Don Perry, Architect
April 12, 2020
Tom Popcheff, Always The Gentleman.. .
I came to DOA in '88, appointed State Architect after 20 yrs in private practice. In the crush of countless interests with infinite building needs, Tom Popcheff (and Orville Lundy) were a constant voice of calm and civility. We totally restored the State Capitol Bldg, Soldiers & Sailors Monument and a thousand lesser but equally important environments. It all went much better with Tom involved.
My condolences to the Popcheff family with my love for their part in the historic roots of West Indpls.
George and Becky Minix
April 12, 2020
What a beautiful tribute to our dear friend. George and I will miss him greatly! He was a lifelong friend to George and we shared to many memories to name with he and Karen. He was taken too soon. Condolences to Karen and family.
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Conkle Funeral Home, Speedway Chapel - Speedway4925 West 16th. Street, Speedway, IN 46224
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