William Henry Poper

With deep sadness we share the passing of our husband and father, William Henry Poper on November 2, 2025. Bill was born on February 7, 1935 to Warren Noble and Beatrice Marie (Stains) Poper. He was their fifth child and first son. By the time the family was complete the number of children totaled 16. Bill and his siblings grew up in Williamson fishing in the creek, swimming in the quarry, gardening supervised by mom, and watching the train pass. Under the watchful eyes of a strict father, Bill learned early the value of working hard. At a very young age he was a live-in farm hand for several local families. Even though the family lived with very tight finances, Bill grew up to be a very giving person, always willing to share material possessions he thought someone might need or lend a hand to help on a chore that needed done. He loved a good story but enjoyed telling them more and often his offbeat sense of humor colored the narrative.

In 1957, he married Phyllis (nee Pope) Poper and together they raised 3 children. Bill had various jobs as a teenager and as a young man worked for Mercersburg Tannery, Grove Manufacturing and finally for 27 years as caretaker for the Mercersburg Sportsman. Upon his retirement he worked for Gish Logging and then enjoyed a part-time summer mowing job for Mount Parnell Fisheries. In his early years he enjoyed fishing and hunting but as he aged, he delighted in tinkering in his garage workshop and found an even more fulfilling role in being "Pap".

Bill was a longtime member of the Lemasters United Methodist Church and recently joined the Tuscarora Bible Church. He was a lifetime member of the Mercersburg Sportsman Association and the Men of the Mountain. He served in the National Guard from 1953-1961 and for many years he served as a Deputy Fish Warden.

Bill will be greatly missed by his wife Phyllis, daughter Sheryl Allison (husband John "Jack"), Brenda Rotz (husband Carl "Chub"), and son Robert "Sam" (wife Terri). Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and his cat, Sammie. He is also survived by one sister, Cindy Lockbaum (husband Joe). Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Virginia, Catherine, Ruth, Donna, Anna, Mary Jane, John, Donald, Dorothy, Judy, Butch, Lynn, Ronald, Cheryl. Also gone are his beloved Pugs - Mugs, Andy, and Hero.

As per Bill's wishes there will be no service, and burial will be at the convenience of the family.

The family requests the omission of flowers but instead help out a neighbor or friend and brighten someone's day by sharing a story and a laugh. www.agettlakjer.com