Randy Dean Poppa, age 56, passed away at his home February 24, 2024, surrounded by family. He had held off cancer for many years, enjoying life along the way. Randy was the firstborn of Larry Dean and Cheryl Lynn (Smith) Poppa. His earthly sojourn began on November 22, 1967, at the Fairfax Community Hospital in Fairfax, Missouri.

Randy grew up on the family farm outside of Tarkio, Missouri. He spent his days riding dirt bikes, mowing lawns, putting up hay, walking beans, helping a carpenter, raising sheep, going camping, and riding horses with his cousin Shelley. He spent many Saturday nights in Corning, Iowa, helping his dad and brother race street stock cars.

In 1986, Randy graduated from Tarkio High School. He went on to gain a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Tarkio College in December of 1990.

Randy married Kristie Moore near Blanchard, Missouri, on June 23, 1990. On their seventh wedding anniversary, they were sealed in the St. Louis Temple for eternity. During the first few years of their marriage the couple lived in Maryville, Missouri, Tarkio, and Westboro, Missouri, before making their home in Albany, Missouri.

While attending college, Randy began working at Pizza Hut in Tarkio where he delivered pizzas and became a pro at doing dishes. Shortly after graduating college, Randy became the operator and eventually partial owner of 10th Street Restaurant in Tarkio. While operating 10th Street the couple also acquired and lived in the Big T Motel across the street.  In 1995, when the couple moved to Albany, Randy worked for a short time building log homes, then worked at Our Home Town Market. Randy then worked at Hogue Lumber for eight years. In 2005, Randy felt inspired to open a family restaurant, something he felt would benefit the community. In November, Poppa’s Family Restaurant opened its doors and has served the community for the past 18 years. In 2019, Randy and Kristie also acquired Grand River Car Wash, along with their son and bonus daughter.

Randy loved to push himself. He competed in the MR340, which is the world’s longest non-stop river race that occurs yearly on the Missouri River across Missouri. He first completed the 340 mile race in 2014 in a canoe with his daughters Megan and Sarah. They finished in 63 hours and 24 minutes. The next year he completed it with his son Daniel, they finished it with a time of 46:55. This time let them become members of the 50 Hour Club. Randy treasured these moments and all the other memories he created with his children.

Randy’s life was spent in service to the Lord, his family, and his community. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Randy has held many callings in the church, including ward clerk, counselor in the bishopric, building maintenance, primary teacher, Melchizedek Priesthood Leader, Elders Quorum President, and more.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents and niece, Renee. He is survived by his wife, Kristie, and their eight children: Megan (Ben), Daniel (Holly), Sarah (Tanner), Emily, Jordan, Timothy, Paul, and Samuel; one grandson, Luke; a granddaughter arriving in May; his sister, Traci; brother, Michael (Kim); uncle, Burt; aunts, Amy and Judy; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be used by the Poppa family to give back to their loving community. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 1, at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, McFall, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the chapel. Friends may call any time after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonpolleychapel.com.