Wayne Poppino

Wayne Poppino, age 75, of Welling, Oklahoma, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 6:00 pm, at home, surrounded by his family.

Services will be held Monday, April 8, 2024, at 10:00 am, at hart Funeral Home in Tahlequah, with Robert Ketcher officiating. A burial will follow at Caney Cemetery.

Wayne Poppino was born September 12, 1948, in Stilwell, Oklahoma, to Loleta (Burgess) Poppino and Chester Poppino. He grew up in the Tailholt area and graduated from Tahlequah High School in 1966.

Wayne was drafted into the Army at the age of 19 and served most of his time in Germany. On January 31, 1970, he married the love of his life, Darlene McManus at Caney General Baptist Church. They were married for 54 years, 2 months, and 4 days. Into that union came three children, Tammie, Kimberley, and Bryan Poppino.

Wayne attended NSU where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education, from there he taught at Greasy, Woodall, Shady Grove, and Briggs. Continuing his education, he received a master’s degree in administration, and became Superintendent of Shady Grove. He then retired in 2001. Wayne was also active in the Church, where he loved to sing bass, he volunteered at the Welling Fire Department, and kept busy attending all his grandkids’ activities. Wayne was thought very highly of by all his family, friends, and coworkers.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Loleta and Chester Poppino, in-laws, Dixie, and James McManus, and two brother in-laws, Jerry McManus, and Forest Carter.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene Poppino of the home; his children, Tammie and her husband Randall, Kimberley and her husband Brad, and son Bryan; grandchildren, Heath and his wife Rachel, Haley and Jake, Blake, Bailey, DJ, Devin, Jordain, Ebonie, Emma, Aaron, and Maranda; great grandchildren, Addison, Baylea, Raylan, Wyatt, and his two little buddies, Baker and Maverick, who brought him great joy the last couple years of his life.

Wayne will be missed dearly by all who knew him.