CHARLES R. POPPE

POPPE COLONEL CHARLES R. POPPE USMC (Ret.) Charles Raymond "Chuck" Poppe, 84, who died on March 31, 2014 of leukemia, will be buried with Full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday September 10, 2014, following a memorial service at 9 a.m. in the Old Post Chapel, Ft. Myer, VA. Charles Poppe was born in Yreka, CA on January 6, 1930. He grew up in Northern California and upon graduation from Sacramento High School, Chuck went on to college at University of California Berkeley to obtain a degree in Forestry. In September 1951 he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and sent to Korea to serve as a Combat Engineer. Chuck continued his Marine Corps service until his retirement in 1979 after 28 years. During that career he served as Commanding Officer 1st Shore Party Battalion and was sent to Vietnam twice for combat action. Chuck was instrumental and a guiding figure in the implementation of Information Systems into the Marine Corps. He served in numerous assignments to include the Director of the Information Systems Support and Management Division USMC HQ and the Chief of Staff, USMC Education Center. His professional education included graduation from the Basic School and the Naval War College. Chuck also obtained a Masters Degree in Business Administration from GW University and a Masters Degree from American University in Computer Science where he taught as an Adjunct Professor. His decorations included the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and two Gold Stars, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V", Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon. After retiring from the Marine Corps, he started Poppe Associates, a consulting firm which he successfully ran for years. Chuck developed an interest in Koi. He shared this hobby with his wife Doris, and they both raised and showed Koi. This hobby took them all throughout the US and abroad winning numerous awards. Chuck was a Master Judge Emeritus recognized worldwide. He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Doris P. Poppe: his two children. Stephen C. Poppe and Susan P. McKenzie: four grandchildren Erin J. Spera, Eric C. Poppe, Stephanie A. Poppe and Tamara M. Cain. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation at www.marineheritage.org Please view and sign the family guestbook at: www.everlywheatleyfunneralhome.comPlease view and sign the family guestbook at: www.everlywheatleyfunneralhome.com