Phillip Joseph Kopp

Phillip Joseph Kopp 

On Thursday, January 23rd, 2025. Phil went to sleep and woke up in Heaven.

Waiting at the gates were his parents, Robert Lavern and Johnnie Pauline Kopp to welcome him home.

Those left to carry on his legacy of love is his devoted wife, Gail Kopp. His children, Allison Gallen (Jon) of Anchorage AK, Colin Kopp of Baton Rouge LA, Cindy Tamayo (Landy) of Houston TX and Anjy Cooper (Britt) of Roswell. His grandchildren Lucas Gallen, Sean Gallen, Ryan Gallen, Desiree Cooper, her husband Adam Fajardo, and Sterling Cooper. His beloved cat Pepe and his dog Sugar. 

Phil was born on July 23rd, 1950, in Roswell, NM. In his childhood and early youth Phil participated as a boy scout in the Conquistador Council Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America. He graduated from Roswell High School in 1968. He attended NMMI and NMSU until finding his true passion upon enlisting in the United States Coast Guard. He honorably served his country until he retired from the USCG with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (E9). We will forever cherish all of the wonderful stories he told about the places he traveled and events he experienced during his service to our great country. Retired Veteran was one of his most cherished titles.

After retiring from the USCG he relocated from Alaska to Roswell to care for his parents in their sunset years and to meet the love of his life, his wife Gail. Phil and Gail have been together since 2000, they were married on April 10th, 2012, in Las Vegas, NV. They were and will always be true soulmates. They found their joy in spending time together in traveling. Their adventures found them in Canada, the Bahamas, Alaska and many more fabulous locations, and most recently their dream trip to Norway. One of their favorite and most often taken adventure was Ruidoso, NM. These visits were sometimes to try their luck at the casino, or to see a fresh snowfall on the mountain and maybe catch a glimpse of the wildlife, their favorite being the elk and the wild horses! 

At home in Roswell Phil enjoyed being involved with the local Elks Lodge, Masons, Eagles and the Shriners. He proudly served as Exalted Ruler for the Elks Lodge #969 in 2003. Phil loved to spend time with all his “brothers and sisters” and sit and talk about anything and everything while enjoying good company. Staying home and watching Fox News was high on his list as well!

His love for animals was on full display by feeding his neighborhood stray cats daily along with always keeping his bird feeder full! The stories we have of him rescuing a few strays in his day will stay with us forever and always make us laugh and smile!

Phil’s greatest joy of all was spending time with his wife and family. Poppy was the absolute best at finding the funniest greeting cards for every occasion we celebrated! Every birthday, anniversary, Christmas…it became a tradition to anticipate what card he had found for us, which would always leave us laughing and passing them around for everyone to read! 

Phil was the most loving and generous person; he loved with all of his heart. And for all those who were blessed to know him will treasure his memory always.

We love you Poppy and we will remember and cherish you everyday…forever and always.

Pallbearers will be Britt Cooper, Sterling Cooper, Adam Fajardo, Jon Gallen, Colin Kopp, and Felipe Iglesias.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday January 29, 2025, at LaGrone Funeral Chapel from 4:00PM-6:00PM. A Funeral Service will take place Thursday January 30,2025 10AM, at LaGrone Funeral chapel with burial to follow immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to an animal rescue group of your choice in Phil’s name.

Never good-bye Poppy…only see ya later! We love you!!!

Arrangements are under the personal care of LaGrone Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com